© Altkat Architectural Photography

• Architects: Norm Architects
• Location: Gebze, Kocaeli, Turkey
• Design Team: Esin Tercan, Nedim Erdal Özyurt, Ahmet Tercan
• Area: 12000.0 sqm
• Project Year: 2015
• Photographs: Altkat Architectural Photography

• Project Team : Esin Tercan, Aslıhan Kemer, Yiğit Yılmaz, Çetin Çetkin, Ahmet Korfalı, Serhan Aydoğdu, Neslihan Ağaoğlu
• Structural Engineering: RMZ Yapı Mühendislik
• ​Mechanical Engineering: Turgut Bozkurt, Ekin Mühendislik
• Electrical Engineering: Yaşar Helvayiyen, Ekin Mühendislik

© Altkat Architectural Photography

Gebze Industrial Vocational High School was designed within the context of a social responsibility project. 

Located on the fringes of a 150-200 m. long green belt along the urban periphery –where no other elements of the built environment can be observed- the project for the building was developed by the Ministry of Education within the boundaries of a void space allocated for secondary education. No other structures can be observed within the vicinity of the same plot, except for some public housing units built long ago. The stabilized road passing through the southern end will be improved in time to function as the main transport line. It is also projected that an urban form will start to develop within the surroundings of the project once the education unit is finalized.

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The correct analysis and interpretation of environmental data and user needs constitutes the backbone of the main approach adopted for the project. 

© Altkat Architectural Photography

The environmental data is quite determining since there are no other points of reference regarding urban formations nearby and there are also no limiting elements except for the road on the southern end. It is for this reason that the definition of relationship between the building and its surroundings has become extremely important.

Diagram

User needs are of equal importance since the employer is making demands in a way to positively transform the established image of a ‘vocational school’ and relating the potential quality of education with the potential impact of design quite directly.

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The main motivation of the design process comprises of the multi-dimensional reading of a seemingly undefined context, and the dissolution and reinterpretation of a building programme that allows for and accentuates the possibilities of informal education and living. 

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It is with these goals in mind that the relationship between the building and the context, alongside its perceptual integration with the environment, has become of utmost significance.  The powerful plastic arrangement of the masses observed on the approach from the city center, creates a welcoming effect, in harmony with the natural setting. 

Basement Floor Plan

Ground Floor Plan

1st Floor Plan

Once the building is approached, what is noticed is that the entrance canopy defines a distinct and human-oriented scale. The interface formed by the canopy and the main entrance opens to the central courtyard. 

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The front courtyard on the north is bordered by the education building overlooking the South and the workshop space overlooking the North; in this sense, the courtyard functions as the central and main spatial element of the entire structure. Connecting to the amphitheatre located on lower east end, the courtyard represents the real arrival point of the building and opens up towards the nature on the north end. 

© Altkat Architectural Photography

The entire programme is dissolved around courtyards at varying elevations within the context of an enriching relationship of the inside and the outside. This simple yet determined approach enables a strong sense of identity and belongingness, triggered by a diversity of spatial arrangements and relationships with the nature; the resulting ‘void’ invites the user to interaction. 

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Material choices of façades emphasize the tectonic character of architectural elements; façades comprising of exposed concrete and opaque polycarbonate panels  make references to the simple and ‘technical’ aspects of design. 

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Ferroconcrete and steel composite structures, heat resistant joints for moveable surfaces, and photovoltaic panels (PV) on the South/South-West are preferred for the construction system of the building.

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It is expected that the entire structure will refine in time with the practices of users, without ever losing anyhting from its character as it harmonizes with the changing conditions, and also that additional units will help the project area grow towards the East.     

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© Eresh Weerasuriya

• Architects: Arch International
• Location: Homagama, Sri Lanka
• Architect In Charge: Sunil Ariyaratna
• Design/Project Architect: Chanaka Ariyaratna
• Area: 5000.0 sqm
• Project Year: 2013
• Photographs: Eresh Weerasuriya

© Eresh Weerasuriya

From the architect. The SLINTEC, Nanotechnology park is one of the pioneering visions of the greater ‘knowledge hub’ development plan for Homagama creating a unique opportunity to house research incubation and technology commercialization in one setup that functions to both the public and private sectors. SLINTEC is one of the most successful implementations of a private-public partnership in aspects of funding, management and operations that lead to a challenging framework that generated a unique architectural solution in design of spatial and functional requirements. The building is a catalyst for scientific research putting Sri Lanka on the map for science and technology with the state of the art facility being the signature trademark for the nanotechnology park that is to proceed in the future masterplan.

© Eresh Weerasuriya

The iconic appearance of the Sri Lanka Institute of Nanotechnology creates the epicenter of the park and features the bold statement of advance technology integrated with sustainable thinking. SLINTEC’s architecture that gives it a corporate identity resonates throughout the research and the commercialization which was much needed for the earlier basement housed research facility that needed to expand alongside its rapid technological development.

Ground Floor Plan

The hexagonal plan profile encloses a quadrangular atrium that is covered by a pyramidal skylight & opens up a triangular courtyard that generates a skeletal curved three membered tower converging to a singular point pinnacle spire depicting the play of polygons and shapes inspired by Carbon’s molecular structures that is observed at nanoscopic levels.  Elements of all scales and sizes within the architectural language have been used in order to depict the relationship with nanotechnology as well as geometries that are closely involved in the sciences; this establishes the weight and depth of the research that is happening within the facilities. All incubation areas of the center capture the tranquil and freely accessible natural environment so as to create a free mindset that will enable uninterrupted idea flow to its researchers. The laboratories and research areas are controlled environments yet linked with the exterior natural environment hence visually creating the required spatial feeling.

© Eresh Weerasuriya

The center is composed of five levels. The ground floor comprises of public areas and the financing and incubation areas. A Basement houses a one of a kind vibration-proof underground laboratory for housing ultra-sensitive electronic microscopes. Offices for scientists and management is located on the first floor while the second floor takes you through laboratory facilities and further areas for research. Finally a roof terrace level acts as the podium for services and a solar array topped with the 3 pronged iconic tower. The large Atrium dominates the design being a source of light and ventilation that acts as a link both physically and visually to all levels of the building.

Section

Being the only Platinum certified LEEDS Research Center in South Asia, the SLINTEC Building’s sustainable design through fundamental passive and active strategies minimizes demand and maximizes efficiency of all building service resources.

© Eresh Weerasuriya

Strategies such as lush green landscaping, courtyards, creation of natural ventilation through drafts and stack effect, use of evaporative cooling, shading devices, Rainwater harvesting, Green rated fixtures, Alternative Energy source of a 102 kW Solar Array were all initially designed around as key principal requirements to achieve the highest sustainability.

© Eresh Weerasuriya

The external skin of the building is a modular shading device to minimize solar exposure and gain, thereby reducing the energy demand of the internal air-conditions that is compulsory for the scientific instrumentation. Climatic models suggest a drop of 1 to 2 degrees in temperature with the skin and thermal coating for exposed glass.

© Eresh Weerasuriya

The iconic skeletal tower acts as a ranged lightning conductor protecting the entire nanotechnology park. This was a critical solution due to the expensive equipment and the fact that the area is prone to high lightning strikes. It doubles up as a telecommunication relay tower generating income to the facility

© Eresh Weerasuriya

The choice of materials reflects on the modern and hi-tech architectural styles and contributes to making the center stand out as a sleek and refined facility. The use of glass and aluminum break the monotony of the concrete structure and add aesthetic appeal to the building while also improving functionality.

The Nanotechnology Center of Excellence is an ideal example of a building that challenges conventional Sri Lanka institutional architecture. It is a step into the future while setting a firm foot in the present.  

© Eresh Weerasuriya

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© Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

• Architects: Palinda Kannangara Architects
• Location: Ramboda, Sri Lanka
• Structural Engineer: Udaya Dissanayake
• Quantity Surveyor: Sunanda Gnanasiri
• Area: 2800.0 sqm
• Project Year: 2013
• Photographs: Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

© Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

Located in a small hill town of Ramboda in central Sri Lanka, between Kandy (historic city) and Nuwereliya (tourist hill station), in a unique ecological zone (of tropical montane forests and grasslands) this 27 room, 6 storey hotel building is completely integrated into the terrain of the land.

© Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

The design had to address environmental regulations that stipulated a 2 storey building to the road and to avoid blocking views of the scenery to the locals and passing tourists. 

© Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

The design adopts these challenges and presents a visitor friendly 2 storey facade to the road permeable to the dramatic views of Ramboda  falls. Visitors and guests enter the hotel at 4^thfloor level which is also the road level.  The parking, lobby as well as the upper level is allow for views of the vast valleys, dam, waterfalls and the horizon. A 30 feet cantilevered open viewing deck, provides a 270⁰ panoramic view of the surrounding nature- the Waterfalls, Kotmale reservoir and the verdant hills. 

Plan

Section

The site helped generate the brief, initially the client had requested building a restaurant and a few rooms however upon analysing the terrain the possibility of additional hotel rooms was suggested. Building with the natural terrain, enabled the building of two floors below the road level nestled into the topography, which became the bedroom wings of the hotel. While 4^th and 5^th floor is given to public activities, lobby, gem store, fine dining, and an observation deck, the guests descend to the lower levels, away from the road, noise and public areas to the bedroom wings. The rooms are serene allowing for picture postcard views the scenery. The luxury suite is located beneath the cantilevered deck providing guests with expansive views of the valleys and water.

© Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

An important aspect of the design was creating a public viewing platform for the passing motorists to stop and to enjoy the view. The parking area has been designed to also function as this viewing space. The material palette and construction too were based on this idea of keeping the public levels totally permeable to the valley and view, and thereby create an unhindered view to the people.

© Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

The attempt was to minimize environmental impact and ensure that hotel blends into and is a part of landscape.

© Palinda Kannangara Arcitects

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