Unlike most developments now sweeping Turkey and the rest of the Mediterranean, the bespoke design concept, also nominated in three categories for the forthcoming International Property Awards, in Las Vegas, draws on traditional best practice, and attractive local design where possible, based on minimal energy requirements, full use of passive solar heating, supplemented by wind energy as needed.
Inspiration, working with client Reading-based Turkish/UK specialist property developer Nirvana International, says the Villa Caesar project “has been conceived as a luxury villa that provides extensive and sumptuous modern living accommodation whilst interacting with it’s landscape in a way sympathetic not only to the local architecture and culture but also to local environment demands”.
Inspiration adds that “age old passive environmental design devices have been studied and incorporated creating a unique residence that respects its environment
not only visually but at a deep functional level”, creating “a zero carbon building, generating its minimal energy requirements on site”.
As a result of this blend, 5 Star awards were won in the Turkey section for Best Interior Design, Best Architecture (single unit) and Best Property, as well as a nomination in each category for the global awards to be held in Las Vegas in November.
The scheme emphasises local labour, design and traditions, stressing sustainably-sourced local materials as far as reasonably practicable.
Traditional approach
Villa Caesar does not attempt to integrate the latest high technology sustainable building devices, and does not claim to be purist. Instead, it focuses on traditional solutions from both Turkey and similar climatic zones, leading to a very distinctive architectural character.
Not least of these is its focus on split levels and courtyards, “echoing not only beneficial environmental effects of traditional houses but also their way of life”, enabling the various elements of the building to “respond directly to its setting, maximising views and sunpath”.
Key sustainable building techniques used include thermal mass to reduce extremes of temperature internally, creating a more comfortable internal environment. For this purpose, stone clad concrete is used, in line with the concrete frame approach needed for resistance to earthquakes in the region.
Use of ‘earth sheltering’ techniques for climate control enables the natural topography of the land to be respected, but also minimises energy usage from earth moving in construction.
Towers enable passive stack cooling of the building, in which warm air flows up and is vented out, drawing in cooler air through adjoining spaces at lower levels.
Other key passive design features include “gravity fed water features that are not only decorative but provide useful evaporative cooling close to the perimeter of the building.
Roof design is based on a double layer vented construction, which avoids excessive build-up of heat, while shading involves “external decorative sliding fretwork screens to all large openings”, and “louvres to high level windows in place of the traditional deep overhangs”. External terraces also incorporate tensile structures.
Even the extensive landscaping around the perimeter of the building has been designed with a view to preventing build-up of stifling heat in the summer.
While the design concept focuses on minimising energy consumption, and maximising use of passive cooling, a windmill of traditional design constructed with a stone tower and canvas sails provides additional power as needed, with connection to the grid as back-up or for export.
http://www.inspiration-architects.co.uk; www.nirvanainternational.com; www.propertyawards.net/int/