A sensory oasis. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects
04/03/2024.
[Karapınar - Konya] Turkey
metalocus, JORGE MARTINEZ
metalocus, JORGE MARTINEZ
Architecture studio Bilgin Architects was commissioned to project a building that provides a technological infrastructure for the control of the largest solar power plant in Europe in Karapınar, a municipality and district in the province of Konya, Turkey, characterized by having a desert climate. The architects' biggest challenge was to represent a new energy technology building in a flat topography that extends to the horizon.
Beyond providing this infrastructure to the complex, the building is considered an interface that represents sustainable energy technologies. The projected shadow of the building was another challenge, since the efficiency of the solar farm would be affected if the building shaded the solar panels, so the center is strategically placed so as not to cast shadows and its height is a single plant.
Beyond providing this infrastructure to the complex, the building is considered an interface that represents sustainable energy technologies. The projected shadow of the building was another challenge, since the efficiency of the solar farm would be affected if the building shaded the solar panels, so the center is strategically placed so as not to cast shadows and its height is a single plant.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Site floor plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Basement floor plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Ground floor plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Roof floor plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Section plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Elevation plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Elevation plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Elevation plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Elevation plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Axonomteric plan. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Constructive detail. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
Constructive detail. Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects.
The Central Control Building, designed by Bilgin Architects, is developed on a single-story building that offers different sensory spaces at the intersection of humans, nature and technology. The façade of the building is designed not only as an architectural element, but also as a connecting element between the earth, the environment and the sky.
Exterior reflectivity creates a unique, non-repeating pattern that provides color changes that generate a passive kinetic experience in a variety of lighting conditions throughout the day. This idea is also presented in the building's patio, located in the center of the building with an irregular shape generating a revealing contrast with the environment due to the placement of endemic plant species that require minimal irrigation and maintenance, creating a microclimate inside the building. building.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Exterior reflectivity creates a unique, non-repeating pattern that provides color changes that generate a passive kinetic experience in a variety of lighting conditions throughout the day. This idea is also presented in the building's patio, located in the center of the building with an irregular shape generating a revealing contrast with the environment due to the placement of endemic plant species that require minimal irrigation and maintenance, creating a microclimate inside the building. building.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Project description by Bilgin Architects
Dialogue with the Earth
The building is located in Karapınar, the only region in Turkey with a desert climate. A 20-square-kilometer area in this region, which has become unsuitable for agriculture but holds significant energy potential due to its desert climate, is designated as an energy specialization area. Kalyon Energy has established a 1,350 MWp solar power plant in this region with the capacity to be the largest solar energy power plant in Europe. The operation of the plant is managed through the Central Control Building.
One of the primary functions of the building is to provide a technological infrastructure for controlling the plant. However, beyond providing this infrastructure, the building is considered as an interface representing sustainable energy technologies. In the challenging geography of a desert, an interface representing new energy technologies in a flat topography extends to the horizon.
This interface, an extension of the 3.2 million solar panels in the region, is positioned 40 meters away from the existing solar panels and in the same direction, in an area that will not cast shadows on the panels.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Dialogue with the Sky
The facades of the building are designed not only as an architectural element but also as a part of the earth and even the sky. Thanks to the high reflectance levels of the facades, the building becomes integrated with the geography it inhabits. The silhouette on the horizon continues on the facades.
While ensuring meticulous energy usage, the facade design also serves as a significant part of the building's identity. The facade, consisting of two layers, is designed to minimize the radiation falling on the main facade. This secondary facade, which prevents high heat exposures for most of the year, is formed by 7,200 stainless steel panels at four different transparency levels. The facade design is based on parameters such as geographical direction, surrounding space, and optimum light requirements while creating a non-repetitive, unique pattern. Due to its reflective surface, the material changes color, providing a passive kinetic experience in a variety of lighting conditions throughout the day. On cloudy days, the boundaries of the facade become blurred. The facade becomes not only a part of the building but also a part of the sky. As the night falls, the facade turns inside out, contrasting with the experience in daylight and revealing the interiors and courtyard at night.
Central Control Building by Bilgin Architects. Photograph by Egemen Karakaya.
Ground Zero
This single-story building, detached from the ground, offers different experiential spaces at the intersection of humans, nature, and technology. While the facade takes on a reflective role for the surroundings, it forms a gentle barrier like a sheer curtain for the interior. The foyer area, where boundaries are blurred, welcomes visitors with a courtyard facade. This series of spaces extending to the cafeteria and multipurpose hall is designed with infrastructure that can host various organizations, events, panels, and workshops.
Oasis
A similar opposing situation in the design of the facade is also present in the courtyard of the building. In the center of the structure, a lush courtyard has been positioned, creating a contrast to the arid texture of the region. This courtyard, designed with endemic plant species requiring minimal irrigation and maintenance, establishes a sustainable microclimate. The courtyard determines all circulation areas and space hierarchies of the building while functioning as a sheltered resting and activity area against harsh climate conditions. While shaping circulation areas nested on its perimeter, the courtyard separates the building’s private and common areas.
More information
Architects
Project team
Caner Bilgin, Begüm Yılmaz Bilgin, Cem Katkat, Serenay Gürkan, Elif Özüçağlıyan, Yıldırım Erbaz.
Collaborators
Main Contractor.- Kalyon Construction.
Interior Design Project.- BILGIN.
Structural Project.- Atec Design.
Mechanical Project.- Okutan Engineering.
Electrical Project.- Erke Sustainable Building Design Consulting.
Landscape Project.- BILGIN + MY Landscape.
Infrastructure Project.- Diyap Project.
Facade Consultancy.- CWG Consultancy.
Parametric Design Consultant.- Cemal Koray Bingöl.
Lighting Design.- UKON Lighting Consultancy.
Acoustic Project.- Mezzo Studio.
Fire Safety Consultant.- Mercek Fire Consultancy.
Graphic Design.- Dilara Sezgin.
Architectural Consultant.- İdil Erkol Bingöl.
3d Print Reception Desk Design and Manufacturing.- Rolab Studio.
Architectural Model.- Serdar Albaz.
Interior Design Project.- BILGIN.
Structural Project.- Atec Design.
Mechanical Project.- Okutan Engineering.
Electrical Project.- Erke Sustainable Building Design Consulting.
Landscape Project.- BILGIN + MY Landscape.
Infrastructure Project.- Diyap Project.
Facade Consultancy.- CWG Consultancy.
Parametric Design Consultant.- Cemal Koray Bingöl.
Lighting Design.- UKON Lighting Consultancy.
Acoustic Project.- Mezzo Studio.
Fire Safety Consultant.- Mercek Fire Consultancy.
Graphic Design.- Dilara Sezgin.
Architectural Consultant.- İdil Erkol Bingöl.
3d Print Reception Desk Design and Manufacturing.- Rolab Studio.
Architectural Model.- Serdar Albaz.
Client
Kalyon Energy.
Area
Site Area.- 38,000 sqm.
Total Gross Floor Area.- 2,778 sqm.
Total Gross Floor Area.- 2,778 sqm.
Dates
Construction Start Year.- 2021.
Construction End Year.- September, 2023.
Construction End Year.- September, 2023.
Location
Karapınar, Konya, Turquia. Turkey.
Photography
Photography.- Egemen Karakaya.
Digital Art Works.- Süleyman Yılmaz, Hakan Yılmaz, Ali Tan Uçer, Ecem Dilan Köse.
Digital Art Works.- Süleyman Yılmaz, Hakan Yılmaz, Ali Tan Uçer, Ecem Dilan Köse.
Caner Bilgin, Begüm Yılmaz. Bilgin
Bilgin Architectural Design Studio is an architecture studio founded by Caner Bilgin and Begüm Yılmaz in Istanbul in 2014. The studio aims to achieve unique and high-quality projects in a variety of different scales. Project services, where construction and architectural management is carried out as a whole, address economic, sustainable, reliable and unique buildings, with high spatial quality, focused on the human experience.
Categories
Our selection
