"Not a Dream, Real"
This adventure began exactly 15 years ago with a graduation project. The slogan “Not a Dream, Real” set the foundational vision for Harmonia. At that time, sipping tea in Moda and riding bikes in Caddebostan were simply not enough for two designers in love. Therefore, they decided to pursue a deeper connection with nature.
The Spark in the Land of Lycia
For 15 days, they lived without a tent on the shores of Olympos while reading Socrates’ Wife. During this trip, a spider shared their resting rock, and a lizard visited them daily for water. Meanwhile, small fish played around their toes. With just a little paper, a handful of sugar cubes, and a shared design vision, they discovered a collective living space for everyone.
This profound experience blended ecological design with the awareness of existing within a larger whole. As a result, it birthed and matured their dream of founding an interdisciplinary design studio. Nature literally kneaded their vision with sand, insects, stones, and soil.
Returning to the City and Taking the Leap
Perhaps the lemon balm tea inspired them, or maybe it was the bitter oranges in their backpacks. In any case, two months after returning to city business life, they made a bold choice. Before the sand in their backpacks cleared or the sea scent left their clothes, they resigned.
On a snowy İstanbul day in December, they headed toward a rainy Aegean shore. They carried little else in their pockets than accumulated love and dreams. Thus, Harmonia’s story truly began.
From Early Experiments to a Permanent Off-Grid Haven
Their first stop was a coastal spot within touching distance of the Aegean Sea. In 2012, they officially established Harmonia and transformed their dream wishlist into immediate action. Because they believed ecological design requires real-world practice, they experimented tirelessly in their small garden.
They learned continuously and developed new techniques. Furthermore, they gathered this knowledge inside a black-covered notebook and integrated it into their daily lives. Eventually, these experiences overflowed beyond their home, prompting them to hit the road once again to share their wisdom.
An action, a festival, and a series of unexpected events eventually brought them to Bayramiç in the Northern Kaz Mountains. Consequently, Harmonia gained a truly off-grid, independent, and interdisciplinary space in the middle of the forest.
Today, every breath offers a rebirth, and every spring opens a new adventure. The journey written in that black notebook continues to multiply through sown seeds, passing from hand to hand and heart to heart.
