In Bölüklü Plateau, the main principle was to place accommodation units and social facilities without harming or covering the natural soil by cutting trees or changing the surface. The units to be built with materials and construction techniques appropriate for the site, promise an experience that gives the “spirit of the place“.
LOCALS AND NON-LOCALS
The social layer of the problem is how the new units proposed for Bölüklü Plateau should relate to the existing structures and life. On the one hand, the people who have been living in the plateau for decades experiencing this culture; on the other hand, the ‘non-locals’ who come to the plateau to have a new experience. The confrontation of the two parties and the fact that this interaction may introduce completely unpredictable consequences is a new layer in the design process.
LIVING WITHOUT CAUSING HARM
Relationship between the natural ground texture and the poetic natural landscape of the plateau with the new buildings are the main determinants in our design process. It was decided To intervene the natural flora by moving as few trees as possible, without cutting any down, and developing an appropriate design language was key to us. Considering potentials and possibilities of the site from a construction point of view, it became clear that some of the construction techniques and materials we were used to in other sites were not suitable and were impossible here. At this point the possibilities of new materials and construction techniques that would capture the spirit of the place were explored. Instead of imitating the appearance of the existing units, a new proposal was developed and tested by reinterpreting what has for a settlement at this altitude.
MODULES ‘CLINGING’ TO TREES
Dense tree areas require different construction techniques and materials from problem solving methods that we have been used to up to-date. The current situation both creates problems and harbours potentials: The basic principle is that accommodation units are attached to trees and move independent of the topography. By clinging to trees, the units become protected from external impacts of rain and snow. This way, accommodation units adapted to the region under geographic and climatic constraints.
As a result of the study on the trunk diameters and spacing of the existing trees, suitable placement areas were determined. Accordingly, taking support from trees with a cross-section smaller than 30 cm trunk diameter was dismissed, as it would create static inadequacy. Principles of assembling structural elements on the designed platform were uniformised as much as possible and a structural shell was formed. In addition, designing an open common area for at least three living units, outdoor living spaces were defined to make visitors staying overnight in the facility would continue to feel the spirit of place.
MINIMUM SPACE
Considering that the requested size of 50 square metres for living units would require trees to be cut down and create a high density contrary to ‘the spirit’, an efficient architectural plan layout was obtained with ground floor size 30 square metres. Smaller units are also important in terms of reducing the operating costs of facility. Considering minimum destruction, this suggestion was taken as a must.
Building programme was allocated to living-sleeping, sleeping and servicez parts. The ground level, where living-sleeping and bathroom are located, is an area that is related with the terrace. On the upper level, only the sleeping area is allocated.
Accommodation units where connection with scenic forest views and the outdoor is kept continuous…
STRUCTURAL TIMBER JOISTS
Structural wooden beams come together to wrap tree trunk fixed with designed apparatus and where support beams are provided to raise the platform to be seated. The platform on which the accommodation unit will seat is positioned at a level higher than the ground. The accommodation unit, with small floor area sits on the platform, provides relationship with the ground with a staircase.
Dimensions of the structural wooden beams are determined as 80x150mm, and a structural solution has brought a single section. With this proposal, a construction technique using fewer structural elements is proposed concerning the physical possibilities of the location. This optimisation that provides on-site solutions, is also a suggestion that will relieve the production team in construction works in terms of mastering structural element detailing.
The platform onto which the living area opens, offers the user an elevated view experience while serving as storage space for firewood. While fireplace heats the single-volume accommodation unit, both the poetic landscape of the cold climate and the unit itself become objects of view in front of the transparent, expansive facade that faces the terrace.
AWARENESS CENTRE AS THE FACE OF THE CAMPUS
A centre where visitors to the plateau can obtain information about site and its geography, it also is the face of the settlement, the first space to greet those who come to the plateau. This is why it is located close to the road. The principle of structural cross section and space production, that emerges in the design of the accommodation unit, has been maintained in the Awareness Centre. This gives user priority to facilitate choice. Two basic volumes are brought together as one single building, with diverse sections that create different heights. The low volume is for conference and information area, while the high volume is conceived as the waiting and reception area, which functions as entrance hall and lobby.
RESTAURANT ON SEPARATE PLATFORMS
The restaurant is located relatively far from accommodation units. Because of its location, it is expected to have a strong relationship with both the plateau and the road that connects it to the surrounding plateaus. The restaurant, essentially built on three platforms, has been designed with continuity of open and closed areas in mind. The spaces, developed based on the cross section that forms the basis of the building’s tectonics, have been shaped hierarchic to the density below. The idea of the platform, developed because of the difficulty of settlement due to the slope and the relation of the building to the ground, was retained. This also provides structural solutions with intense climatic conditions in mind.
BARN AS A BUILDING ENVELOPE
The barn design emerged from space-creating potential of the cross section with similar construction and material choices. A very simple building envelope open on both sides, the barn is located on the periphery of the existing plateau settlement and the proposed housing units. This way, not only the service needs are easily met, but residential units are kept away from odours.
