Eco-Techno Park is a groundbreaking hub for sustainable research and technological innovation set in a biophilic environment within the OSTIM Industrial Zone, a bustling industrial precinct in Ankara (Turkey).

The project, led by ONZ Architects for Ortadogu Sanayi ve Ticaret Merkezi (OSTIM), is aimed at small and medium enterprises and will preserve the site’s natural environment while under development.

The holistic design approach integrates buildings on a terraced hillside to overcome the challenges of a sloped topography.
© ONZ Architects, The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

The architectural wings, laid out over interconnected cascading terraces, are conceived to seamlessly merge within the slanted terrain. They contain offices, conference rooms and workshops. The main linear building, stretching out to one side with views of the industrial neighbourhood, houses other function rooms, cafes and an amphitheatre.

The green roofs add natural insulation and can be used as recreation areas by the occupants.
© ONZ Architects, The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

Structurally, the terraces limit interference with their surroundings while creating several communal spaces for social interaction.

The project incorporates many eco-friendly features — natural lighting, passive ventilation, improved insulation, visual comfort and indoor air quality — for user satisfaction and building performance.

A key objective of the architecture is to foster occupants’ engagement on the grounds with minimum impact on the landscape.
© ONZ Architects, The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

Zeynep Öktem of ONZ Architects explains, “We see sustainable construction as much more than implementing sustainable technologies. One must seek the best individual solutions for each project from the very start.”

Economic growth through environmental innovation

The terraces of the stepped buildings double up as green roofs, a continuation of the natural texture of the site. Their surfaces serve to combat the heat island effect, provide insulation and improve air quality.

The terrace buildings offer a working environment intertwined with nature through energy-efficient spaces.
© ONZ Architects, The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

Waste is an incongruity here. Rainwater and greywater are collected on-site for post-mechanical purification and reuse within the complex through a drip irrigation system.

Discreet sensors are embedded in the facade to monitor temperature and light and ensure minimal energy consumption. The premises are covered in lush vegetation to help achieve optimal thermal conditions.

The solar-powered geothermal heat pumps take centre stage in conditioning the Eco-Park. Water that is circulating through subterranean pipes is brought to the building at ~10°C temperature. This reduces the cooling load in summer and supports heating in winter.

Eco-Techno Park offers stakeholders a conducive backdrop to develop and export new energy and environmental technologies to the world.
© ONZ Architects, The Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction

The office block is flanked by corridors conceived as seasonal buffers. In the summertime, these hallways facilitate passive ventilation, letting in the gentle breeze. In the winter months, they passively warm up by trapping solar heat gain, thereby offering free heating.

At its essence, this visionary project aspires to strike a harmonious equilibrium between the natural and the man-made, manifested as a beautiful landmark.

The Eco-Techno Park project by ONZ Architects won Gold Award in Middle East Africa, 2014-2015 by Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction. It also won the first prize as Best Sustainable Project in Moscow Architecture & Design Awards.

Post sponsored by the Holcim Foundation for Sustainable Construction