ARCHITECTURAL FOCUS
Double-skin façade
To minimize the carbon footprint and operating costs associated with heating and cooling, the northwest and northeast faces of the building feature doubleskin facades that increase the building’ s thermal efficiency both in the summer and winter, thanks to the operable vents located at the edges of the frames. During the winter months, these vents remain closed to retain heated air within the intermediate cavity of the double façade, thereby reducing heat loss. During warmer months, the vents are opened to facilitate airflow within the cavities, making warm air escape, while adding additional insulation against heat gain. This system also improves the acoustical performance of the façade, minimizing external noise disturbances from vehicular sounds and wind.
Plan organization and thermal mass
Privacy within office areas is maintained through the use of textured glass partitions, rather than solid walls, thus preserving the open-plan ambiance. Additionally, a modular division system employed in both offices and showroom seating areas offers flexibility in layout and in accommodating varying user capacities.
The glass façade assimilates the light refractions observed in both glass prisms and crystal formations. The façade modules consist of two glass panels positioned at an angle, thereby referencing the refraction effect and merging the reflected views from the surroundings at two different angles. The narrower glass panels are covered with a coating that simulates the refractive effect of crystals.
Colorizing the interiors with daylight
The use of angled glass panels and refractive coatings on the façade facilitates a modest approach to color and material selection for the interior design. As sunlight angles change throughout the day, the refractions of light entering through the façade imbue the interior spaces with a varied palette. Office partitions and coffee tables made with ribbed glass amplify the refraction effect produced by the façade.
The core is located in the shaded corner of the building to enhance thermal mass, contributing to a stable indoor climate. The floor plans prioritize openness and adaptability, allowing for flexible spatial configurations. The reception area is integrated within the core, while the structural grid defines the subdivision of private offices in relation to shared spaces.
Technical sheet
Project Name: Quartz Plaza Practice Name: Salon June, 2025 | Istanbul, Turkey Architect: Alper Derinbogaz Photography: Cemal Emden Project Team: Mert Ozan Er, Nida Dilara Karısık, Gökçe Naz
www. salonarchitects. com
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