Suyabatmaz Demirel Architects shared with us their design for the Goksu Rope Factory Lofts in Istanbul. The new owner of this derelict factory wanted to turn his investment into a high-end residential project consisting of various sized lofts. After visiting the site, our major concern became clear. Since the 17.000m2 building was used many years for industrial production, it should still deliver the authentic atmosphere even after it has been rehabilitated for new functions. In order to keep the intangible precipitation of this place, a subtle and humble design strategy was necessary. More images and architects’ description after the break.
The unique topography of Istanbul has created many small creeks which collects waters from the hills and carry to Bosporus. The small villages aligned on the Bosporus are mostly situated at the tip of these small creeks inside the valleys. Many of these creeks had been dried because of extensive building activities in the valleys. However, Goksu is one of these creeks which had survived to be alive until now. Alongside Goksu, a bit further inside from the Bosporus, there lies a large rope (hawser) factory which has been abandoned for many years.
The production of rope required very long and narrow spaces and the factory’s volume responds this necessity by nature. While turning the long open spaces into a residential complex consisting around 40 individual units, our basic intention was to give an equal and just share to every loft, as if cutting a rope in equal pieces. This design decision also enables the residents to fully experience the sectional volume of the piece they reside in. As a general approach common spaces are not inserted inside the residential building and existing section has not been changed. Almost every loft has a transverse section of this magnificent structure, which enables the residents to access the waterfront as well as the backside of their residences.
Raw wooden panels, natural wood and stone, steel and glass are major building materials which also hints the former identity of the site, however every detail has been carefully designed to create the utmost quality. The characteristic roof section has not been altered and it is utilized to allow natural air ventilation and daylight to the spaces below which also creates an attractive backdrop to the spatial articulation of the people moving up and down inside the lofts.
Architects: Suyabatmaz Demirel Architects Location: Goksu, Istanbul, Turkey Design Principal: Arif Suyabatmaz, Hakan Demirel Design Team: Eda Yazkurt, Orhun Ülgen, Deniz Subasi Floor Area: 35.000m2 Project Year: 2010
