ART • ILLUSTRATION • DESIGN • OBJECTS
Architectural Toys & Design
The Story of the Istanbul Collection
Noobuu’s story began in Istanbul, inspired by the minarets, domes and railway lines that shape the silhouette of this timeless city.
For me, these wooden architectural blocks were never just toys. They represented the roots of my design journey and a dream of placing the history of a city into the hands of children.
Through this collection, we became part of hundreds of children’s imaginative worlds, inviting them not only to observe architecture but to rediscover and rebuild it. Along the way, our paths crossed with an archaeologist who had devoted years of his life to Hagia Sophia, and with a family whose grandfather’s hard work had become part of the stones of Haydarpaşa Railway Station. For some, the collection became a technical design piece; for others, a family keepsake to be passed down through generations.
Today, as I continue creating new work inspired by different places and perspectives, the precision and passion that shaped my early design journey still live on in Istanbul’s iconic silhouettes.
The Istanbul Collection remains the starting point of Noobuu’s design journey and one of its most treasured collections to this day.
Bespoke Design Projects
The design discipline behind my illustrations is rooted in years of creating three-dimensional stories with wood.
Throughout this journey, I brought imagination and architecture together through wooden building blocks, heirloom-inspired structures and custom-designed puzzle toys. From the Peninsula Hotel to toy museums, each project transformed the character of a place into a unique wooden design, shaped by careful research and technical drawing.
Although wooden production is currently on hold due to a change in our studio location, the design precision and creative approach behind these projects continue to inspire my work today.
Explore a selection of bespoke projects and the stories behind them.
Located on the shores of the Bosphorus in Istanbul's historic Karaköy district, The Peninsula Istanbul brings together the city's rich heritage and contemporary luxury. Set within four elegant buildings, the hotel reflects Istanbul's distinctive architectural character while offering a world-class hospitality experience.
Inspired by the hotel's remarkable architecture and identity, Noobuu designed a bespoke wooden architectural toy set that captures the character of The Peninsula Istanbul in miniature. Carefully developed with attention to architectural details, this custom-designed wooden set transforms the hotel's distinctive buildings into a unique design object.
Created as a special keepsake for the hotel's guests, the set brings together architecture, craftsmanship and playful design. More than a traditional toy, it represents a thoughtful interpretation of the hotel's identity, offering a memorable connection to one of Istanbul's most distinctive destinations.
This project reflects Noobuu's approach to bespoke design: transforming meaningful places, architectural landmarks and distinctive brand identities into unique wooden creations.
The Peninsula Hotels
An Iconic Luxury Hotel Group
Founded in 1928, The Peninsula Hotels is one of the world's leading luxury hospitality groups, renowned for its distinctive identity and exceptional service.
With hotels in 12 major cities, including Hong Kong, Shanghai, Tokyo, New York, London, Paris and Istanbul, The Peninsula brings together timeless elegance, local heritage and contemporary luxury.
Some towns are more than places on a map; they are filled with memories, stories and a distinctive sense of place. Leland, a charming historic fishing village on the shores of Lake Michigan, is one of them.
In June 2023, Noobuu received a special commission to create a custom wooden toy inspired by the character and heritage of this beloved lakeside town. The design brings together Leland's iconic fishing boats, colourful waterfront, pier and distinctive buildings in a miniature architectural model.
Every element was carefully designed to reflect the village's maritime heritage and traditional character. From the wooden fishing boats to the colourful harbour and familiar architectural details, each piece was handcrafted to capture the atmosphere of life by the water.
More than a wooden toy, this bespoke creation is a miniature tribute to a place and the memories connected to it. It celebrates Leland's history, its fishing traditions and the unique charm of a small lakeside community.
This project is an example of how Noobuu transforms meaningful places into personalised wooden designs, turning local architecture, landmarks and cherished memories into lasting keepsakes.
Nuremberg has been known as a city of toys since the Middle Ages. For centuries, hundreds of toy makers and manufacturers filled the city's historic streets, producing everything from wooden toys and tin figures to dolls' kitchens and miniature shops. Today, Nuremberg continues this tradition as the home of the world's largest international toy fair.
Located in this historic city, the Nuremberg Toy Museum is a special place where the history of childhood, craftsmanship and play come together. Its remarkable collection and distinctive museum building bring the world of toys to life, preserving generations of memories and creativity. Under the leadership of
Professor Karin Falkenberg, the museum has become a treasured cultural destination.
Inspired by the museum's unique architecture and cultural significance, Noobuu created a bespoke wooden architectural toy representing the museum building, specially designed for Professor Karin Falkenberg.
Carefully handcrafted, this miniature wooden model captures the distinctive character and architectural details of the museum. Every element was thoughtfully designed to reflect the building's identity, transforming its recognisable form into a unique wooden keepsake.
More than a miniature model, this custom-designed wooden toy is a tribute to the history of toys and the people who dedicate their lives to preserving it. Bringing together architecture, craftsmanship and thoughtful design, the piece celebrates the enduring spirit of the Nuremberg Toy Museum and its special place in the world of play.
This project reflects Noobuu's approach to bespoke design: transforming meaningful buildings and places into distinctive wooden creations that tell a story.
Childhood memories are often filled with toys that stay with us long after we have grown up. The Istanbul Toy Museum is one of those special places where these memories are preserved, bringing together the history and magic of toys from different generations.
Founded by poet and writer Sunay Akın and his family, the museum is housed in a historic mansion in Istanbul. More than a collection of toys, it is a cultural treasure shaped by years of dedication, passion and a deep love for childhood. Its unique setting adds another layer to the experience, connecting the stories of toys with the history and character of the building itself.
Inspired by the museum's distinctive architecture and the memories it holds, Noobuu created a handmade wooden architectural toy representing the Istanbul Toy Museum building, as a special gift for Sunay Akın.
Every detail of this miniature wooden model was carefully designed and crafted to reflect the character of the original building. By transforming the museum's architecture into a wooden toy, the design captures not only its physical appearance but also the nostalgic spirit and meaning behind this special place.
More than a miniature replica, this bespoke wooden creation is a tribute to the Istanbul Toy Museum, its founder and the childhood memories it keeps alive. It brings together architecture, craftsmanship and the timeless world of play in one meaningful keepsake.
Through projects like this, Noobuu explores how meaningful buildings and places can be transformed into unique wooden designs that preserve their stories for generations to come.
Santorini | Thira YUNANISTAN
Recognised by Etsy Design Awards
In 2022, Noobuu was selected as one of 10 finalists in the Kids category of the Etsy Design Awards.
Chosen by Etsy's panel of judges, including Dayna Isom Johnson and renowned designers from The Expert — such as Jake Arnold, Jenna Lyons and Brigette Romanek — Noobuu was recognised among the creative talents bringing fresh perspectives and bold ideas to craftsmanship and design.
A milestone that celebrates our passion for thoughtful design, creativity and playful learning.
Design Philosophy
At Noobuu, our designs are guided by a commitment to sustainability and thoughtful play.
Our toys offer children different experiences at every stage of their development, encouraging them to explore, create and learn through play.
Age 2+
Discovering geometric
shapes
Age 3+
Exploring balance
through play
Ages 4-6
Designing and building new structures
Ages 7+
Discovering architecture through the stories and illustrations in the accompanying booklet