We are facing insolvable problems brought by rebuilding, building bigger, never abandoning conventional methods. Isn’t the construction industry responsible for nearly half of the annual global carbon emissions?
A Climate Machine for Sustainability
Based on the Sustainable Energy and Climate Action Plan (İzmir SECAP) prepared by İzmir Metropolitan Municipality, a building programme has been developed in which total greenhouse gas emissions are reduced, carbon emissions are reduced including the building design and construction processes, and an open space and green natural park are created against the high-density surrounding buildings that have already developed in the region.
The most important principle of building energy efficient environments is being concerned with harmony of physical conditions and climate. The linear form of the project area on the north-south axis directly affected site plan decisions and land use. The geometric form of the plot, which enables a north-south orientated settlement, made the settlement efficient both in terms of the prevailing wind direction, insolation angles and topography. Having a wider width in the north, a space was created in the south to embrace intense pedestrian traffic on the periphery of the bay. The land was also used in a twofold manner on east and west zones. On the east side, a building was created to balance the excessively dense construction in neighbouring parcels, while on the west side, a region where sunbathing could be entertained, a green texture was developed.
In the S-Hub project, sustainability is not only addressing energy efficiency as the only concern, but a new ‘circular building model’ has been developed for İzmir and its surroundings, that is feasible with a comprehensive approach.
The Main Design Idea
An important step is the municipality’s commitment in the Green City Action Plan to a net-zero energy consumption or carbon-zero target for all new municipally controlled buildings by 2030. The starting point and main concept of the project is based on the reduction of raw materials and material consumption. A new ‘circular building model’ has been developed that is feasible for İzmir and its surroundings.
A Place of Possibilities
Rather than being designed for a single condition and programme, the building has been designed to allow multiple possibilities. The flexibility provided by the 3-dimensional grid system is intended to allow both spaces created to accommodate different functions over time, and volumes created to adapt to entirely new and different divisions over time. The 3-dimensional grid, that forms the main structural system, differentiates at 1-metre-high intervals at ground and roof levels. The interval between ground floor and roof minimises contact with ground surface and protects the building against risk of flooding. Similar with the roof gap, it creates a suitable space for installation of infrastructure. A further function of both intervals is allowing air circulation around functional areas, facilitating flexible spatial transformations from the outset, and accommodating a possible rise in sea level in the future.
Box in a Box
Independent programme volumes, which are self-contained wholes, also assert a strong presence in scenarios of adaptive reuse. Smaller volumes are proposed within the main spaces, ensuring comfort and climate conditions while addressing specific thermal and acoustic requirements for singular functions. This approach enables achieving targeted environmental conditions for specific uses while maintaining more balanced levels throughout the entire space. The innovative “Box in a Box” strategy not only enhances flexibility but also minimises energy consumption.
Spaces defined in the programme independent of their size were matched and combined according to potential usage scenarios. The spatial design was guided by principle of minimising construction. Outdoor spaces and the building as whole were conceived in relation to their surroundings, avoiding any physical barriers to ensure connectivity with both public areas towards the sea and the park to the west. Pedestrian pathways and the green layout were designed to encourage outdoor social activities.
Project Developed in Two Phases
The total construction area proposed in the first phase of the two-stage competition was increased to 4,700 square metres relying on recommendations. The conference hall, proposed to be used together with the library in the first phase, was re-designed as independent on the second floor, workspace and office areas were increased, and flexible space production was preserved.
In the S-Hub project, both the building and its surroundings are conceived as an exhibition of “explorations in sustainability.”
Disaster Relief Plan Framework
S-Hub proposes a framework that allows the site to be transformed into an emergency gathering and settlement area in the event of disaster. Within the established three-dimensional grid, self-sufficient container-type units, manufactured off-site and independent of existing volumes, are introduced. Some of these units are designed as standalone service modules (e.g., WC, kitchen), while others are planned to accommodate various functions. This approach enables future integration of different programme volumes, allowing some units to be relocated for reuse in other settlements when in need.
Re-use, Re-cycle, Up-cycle
To the east, gabion walls act as buffer against dense urban development, while to the west, a double-layered facade system is designed to regulate intake of intense sunlight. The outermost layer of the steel framework is claded with panels of varying character, forming a facade language that provides shade throughout the day. This “environmental interaction layer” incorporates modular panels featuring innovative solutions such as vertical wind turbines, vegetated surfaces, solar water heating systems, up-cycled steel grilles, and planter units made from earth-based materials.
On the inner layers, secondary protection is ensured through sunshades made from re-cycled trapezoidal metal sheets. Open-air spaces and natural ventilation channels allow prevailing winds to flow through the structure year-round, enhancing indoor comfort while reducing energy consumption and reliance on mechanical systems.
The building is planned to be constructed using existing or locally sourced building components that can be “rescued” or “upcycled,” thereby reducing carbon footprint of the building.
Construction Strategy
Based on-site observations and relying on the project’s guiding principles, it was recognised that value could be derived from the deconstruction process and construction waste during the removal of the on-site existing structures. A strategic approach was developed to align with the preferred steel structural system and infill construction techniques. This ensures that not only flexible, large-volume structural frameworks are achieved, but also that the site’s existing assets are preserved, preventing soil contamination and alteration through on-site construction methods.
Alternative Transport in Sustainability
A pier and a short rail line, proposed to be built for construction along the coastline and to be used in the completed project, facilitate maritime and rail transportation, efficiently consolidating the construction process. The primary structural material, steel, is sourced from scrap metal at the Aliağa shipbreaking facilities, which is then melted and transformed into steel profiles at nearby certified rolling mills. The prepared steel components are transported to the site on-board barges and assembled on the project site.
On the other hand, structural building components sourced from the site and other production workshops, as well as prefabricated (container-like) structural elements, are transported to the project site either on-board barges from the sea or by rail from land. This approach not only recycles the existing construction materials on the site but also brings in high-quality materials from other areas, particularly from urban transformation zones in the region and city. These materials are then used through advanced upcycling techniques. The result is a construction method that aligns with the proposal’s unique building philosophy, ensuring minimal disruption to the environment.
