ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
At its base , Zenel is surrounded by a reflecting pool that delineates its boundaries , serving as a kind of moat that separates its presence from the surrounding cityscape .
Paradoxically , the reflecting pool also creates a strong social connection with the neighbourhood and its residents , with colourful fish and hydroponic plants serving as an attraction for locals .
Crossing the reflecting pool , a bridge leads to the building ’ s entry through a porous facade , the latter being reminiscent of eroded rock . Water seeps through an undulated entrance wall behind the facade , creating a unique and transitional space .
A cocoon of comfort
Each apartment in the Zenel building offers a unique aperture to frame the city through lateral facades facing its neighbouring buildings , while simultaneously creating a sense of intimacy for its residents .
Each apartment is heated and cooled by an air-towater heat pump system , which dramatically reduces the carbon footprint of the building . Zenel ’ s unique lateral facades are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to protect residents from potentially harmful electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phone masts scattered throughout the city .
Additionally , combined with the building ’ s silvercoated glass facades , the lateral facades create a protective Faraday cage around the building . “ Zenel is a prime example of our firm ’ s focus on developing architecture that transgresses the normal boundaries of traditional forms and materials ,” concludes Alper Aytaç , founder of Aytaç Architects .
Location : Erenköy , Istanbul , Türkiye Client : Zenel Family Architects : Aytac Architects Photo credit : Cemal Emden Site Area : 1138 m ² Total Area : 3987 m ² www . aytacarchitects . com
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