Dialogue with the Earth
Located in Kalapınar, Türkiye’s only desert climate region, this building stands within a 20-square-kilometer energy-specialized zone. While the desert climate here no longer supports agricultural production, it offers vast energy potential. Kalyon Energy has developed a 1350 MW solar power plant here, which will be the largest solar facility in Europe.
The power plant is operated from a central control building, which not only provides the technical infrastructure essential for managing the plant but also serves as an interface symbolizing sustainable energy technologies. Set within the challenging desert landscape, this interface stretches across the flat terrain to the horizon. It extends the 3.2 million solar panels already in place, positioned 40 meters away and aligned in the same direction to avoid casting shadows on the solar arrays.
The building’s exterior walls engage in a dialogue with the sky, serving not only as an architectural feature but also as an extension of the earth and sky themselves. Their highly reflective surfaces allow the structure to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape, continuing the horizon’s contours onto the façade.
The façade plays a dual role: it contributes to energy efficiency and acts as a distinctive architectural signature. Composed of two layers, the design minimizes solar radiation exposure on the main façade. The secondary façade consists of 7,200 stainless steel plates with four varying transparency levels, effectively reducing heat gain for most of the year.
Its design is carefully informed by geographical orientation, surrounding space, and optimal lighting conditions, resulting in a unique, non-repetitive pattern. The reflective material shifts in color throughout the day, offering a passive, dynamic experience as lighting changes. On overcast days, the edges of the exterior walls soften, blurring the boundaries between building and sky. At night, the façade transforms dramatically, contrasting with the daytime view and revealing the interior and courtyard illuminated in the darkness.
Ground Zero
This single-story building, detached from the ground, creates a variety of experiential spaces at the intersection of humanity, nature, and technology. The reflective exterior surface mirrors the surrounding environment while acting as a soft barrier inside, resembling a thin curtain. The lobby’s boundaries are intentionally blurred, welcoming visitors with a courtyard-style façade.
The spatial sequence extends seamlessly into restaurants and multipurpose halls, designed to support diverse functions including events, group discussions, and seminars.
The Oasis Courtyard
The courtyard at the building’s center provides a striking contrast to the arid regional landscape with its lush greenery. It features local plant species that require minimal irrigation and maintenance, fostering a sustainable microclimate.
The courtyard defines circulation paths and spatial levels within the building. It also serves as a sheltered area for rest and activities, protecting occupants from harsh weather. Additionally, it differentiates between the building’s private and public zones through its circular layout.
Project Drawings
△ Aerial view
△ General layout plan
△ Underground floor plan
△ First floor plan
△ Roof plan
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Elevation drawing
△ Section diagram
△ Sectional perspective
△ Analysis chart
Project Information
Architect: Bilgin Architects
Area: 2778 m²
Project Year: 2023
Photographer: Egemen Karakaya
Suppliers: Andreu World, Arper, Avc Gemino, B&T Design, FLOS, Jansen, Kasso, Mozaik Design, Tuna Ofis, iGuzzini, Çuhadaroğlu Aluminium
Lead Architects: Caner Bilgin, Begum Yilmaz Bilgin
Project Partner: Cem Katkat
Architects: Serenay Gürkan, Elif Özücağlıyan, Yıldırım Erbaz
Main Contractor: Kalyon Construction
Interior Design: Bilgin Architects
Structural Engineer: Attec Design
MEP & HVAC Consultant: Okutan Engineering
Mechanical and Electrical Project: ERKE Sustainable Building Design and Consultancy
Landscape Architect: Bilgin Architects + MY Landscape
Facade Consultant: CWG Consultancy
Parametric Design: Cemal Koray Bingöl
Lighting Consultant: UKON Lighting Consultancy
Acoustic Consultant: Mezzo Studio
Chart Design: Dilara Sezgin
Architectural Consultant: İdil Erkol Bingöl
Location: Karapınar, Türkiye
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