OSTIM ECO-PARK

Ostim is an organized industrial region located in Ankara/Turkey. An Eco-Park for sustainable research and technology is planned for the region to promote sector stakeholders to compete in a global level and attain a position where they would export to the world new energy and environment technologies.

The primary design decision in Ostim Eco-Park was to create a pleasant sharing space for its users with minimum interference to the nature. The project, designed in the intersection of man-made and natural, aims to leave most of the site to the green therefore the hill in the site is used for housing offices, conference and workshop spaces in terraces underneath the green texture. The building situated on the south of the site is designed as a landmark for the area and is in close contact with the terrace structures in different levels. The terrace buildings offer a working environment intertwined with nature while the large spaces in front of them provide a suitable place for a wide range of activities like workshops or sustainability experiments.

Eco-Parks differ from other working environments by highlighting the importance of collaborations and exchange of ideas. It is very crucial for Eco-Park organizations to follow recent developments in the field, come together and develop new ideas and technologies for a more sustainable future. In this context, the project designed for Ostim Eco-Park encourages these collaborations both in urban and architectural scales, gives the opportunity to experiment and share vibrant developments and creates an inspiring working environment for the employees.

Besides the conference and meeting halls in the terrace buildings, the red hall in the main building is probably the most prominent gathering space for collaborations and sharing new ideas. This venue will evolve into a landmark of Ostim Eco-Park where not only the Eco-Park employees but also everyone who is interested in sustainability and particularly Ostim personnel would benefit informal encounters, stimulating communication and exchange of ideas. The amphitheatre in the red hall is designed so that it can be used both for crowded events and smaller gatherings by dividing the space with partitions. With its sleek and spacious design the red hall is a part of everyday working life of the EcoPark with its open space design, location and function and its private cafeteria. This will serve to the gathering function of the space, furthermore provide a pleasant place for workers where they can just relax and enjoy a stimulating conversation.

SUSTAINABILITY CRITERIA

Ostim Eco-Park project incorporates various sustainable features in its design as well as measures for improved lighting, ventilation, heating, visual comfort and indoor air quality to ensure user satisfaction and efficacy.

Lighting

The lighting and temperature control in the buildings are provided by sensors placed on the façade. The system is not fully automated since studies show that having control over the indoor environment quality increases working efficiency. Nevertheless this can lead to unnecessary energy consumption. Consequently special attention will be given for the installed system to balance these two requirements. A dynamic lighting system simulating natural light is considered for various activities in an office environment requiring different lighting qualities.

In the terrace structures solar shading are used more frequently since the façade is facing the west. Solar shades are similarly used especially on the southern façade of the main building. Additionally the façade is supported with sliding mesh panels providing shade for the desired portion of the building. Placing the office space inbetween two corridors create a buffer zone for heating and cooling, and the glass façade of office space enable natural light to penetrate inside.

Lighting and temperature control is also achieved through vegetation. Deciduous trees enable more light in winter and shade during summer.

Heating and Cooling

Geothermal Heat Pumps are considered for the heating and cooling of the Eco-park. In this system, pipes buried underground containing liquids with approximately 10oC temperature difference, transfer heat to or from the ground. Solar energy gain may not be efficient for heating or cooling however they can provide enough energy for geothermal heat pumps to function. Consequently a hybrid system will resolve heating and cooling without any additional energy consumption.

The green roofs of the terrace buildings contribute to the isolation of the building and to improved air quality, helping as well to lower air temperatures and combat the heat island effect. This design also creates a continuation of natural texture throughout the site.

Ventilation

For the ventilation and heating of the building, the corridor system on both sides of the office block creates a greenhouse effect in winter thus contribute to heating of the environment. The warm air in the corridors is circulated in working spaces through air vents and provides passive heating. In summer, by opening the windows on the façade natural ventilation is attained. Heat recovery ventilation systems are recommended for Eco-Park since these systems create high efficiency ventilation while maintaining indoor air temperature.

The automated CO2 sensors activated by CO2 concentrations above 1000 ppm create a better indoor air quality thus endorse user satisfaction and working efficiency.

Rain Water and Grey Water

The rain water and grey water collected on the site will be reused for the complex. This water will be purified by a simple mechanical filter and will be used for the irrigation of the landscape with a high efficiency drip irrigation system. Additionally low-flow toilets, waterless urinals, low-flow faucets and water-efficient plumbing fixtures all contribute to water savings.

The pool positioned on the southern side of the main building is designed for the collection of rain water. This pool can also be used for experimentations on hydro-culture or cultivating plants for biofuel.