- Area: 165169 m²
- Year: 2011
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Photographs: Helene Binet
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Manufacturers: Villeroy & Boch
Text description provided by the architects. Istanbul Sapphire, the highest structures in Istanbul and Turkey, is a residential, leisure and shopping center project located in the "business administration" center of the city. The building rises in agreement with the surrounding high-rises and is still of nature-friendly facilities like vertical gardens. In addition to the comfort provided by modern technology, Istanbul Sapphire has the infrastructure and the location that will ensure easy transportation.
The building façade consists of two independent shells. The interiors are protected from adverse weather conditions and noise on account of the outer shell. This transparent shell also serves as a buffer zone between the indoor area and the outside, and has a positive effect on structural solutions.
The space created between the two shells is used as gardens and terraces of each apartment; every three floors is a component with a garden floor and two floors overlooking the gardens. Around the atrium there are nine or fewer apartments, depending on the size of each unit. Residents are living in a tower, yet have the feeling that they are sharing a 3-floor house with close neighbors. Its the same feeling t hey would have in country side or in a traditional Istanbul house, with the indoor gardens offering a natural and a warm setting for those living at higher levels.
The garden zone is naturally ventilated though the louvers, taking the air in at lower lever and pushing it out at the top. The louvers automatically open and close according to weather conditions and the interior temperature is always almost equal to the exterior temperature. Environmental friendly systems of the construction grant low energy consumption.
In different levels of the building, there are 187 residences of different sizes. The building is planned as 4 separate housing zones, linked with 4 common areas between the sections. Besides the inner gardens, recreation areas, such as a mini golf course with a great Bosporus view or a swimming pool overlooking the cityscape, are programmed. The buffer zones also house the maintenance and support facilities and the mechanical systems of the building.
When viewed from the outside, the building gets slightly thinner as it rises upward. At the fourth level, it expands downwards and the glass covering the surface of the building earns a sort curve and then extends horizontally as the skirt of the building, covering the shopping facility with cafés, restaurants and stores. This area is perceived as a multi-layered, dynamic, large single space, benefiting from the natural light to the maximum extent.
The basic structure of the building is composed of concrete supported by steel elements. The thin building form is supported by the two cores at the narrow ends. The vertical circulation is provided by 14 elevators, eight of which are express elevators at high speed. In addition, there are eight conveyor belts and 13 escalators. Two elevators have direct access to the observation desk on the very top floor, where the privacy of the residences are preserved by private access.
Being the highest structure in Maslak, Istanbul Sapphire claims a new way of life, relying on the opportunities of contemporary architectural and urban manner. Possessing a smart cityscape, the elegant and transparent structure contributes to the image of the city.
