Quartz Plaza is an office building project located in İstanbul, Turkey. Due to a persistent race in construction projects since the 1999 earthquake, the local vicinity has undergone frequent transformations. It is against this backdrop of constant flux that the project seeks to establish a connection with an enduring layer of the city—its geomorphology.

The project draws inspiration from the geological data of the construction site, which lies at the convergence of two distinct strata originating from the "Miocene Epoch", referencing geomorphological formations. Considering Istanbul's formation being shaped by its geographical characteristics, the building aims to engage with this timeless stratum.

Primarily comprising schist, a metamorphic rock characterized by parallel alignments, the geological foundation of the site is deterministic to the distinct features of the building. The algorithmic vertical texture of the facade claddings takes cues from mica, a mineral present in schist that imparts its distinctive layered structure. Furthermore, exploration of quartz, a crystalline mineral found within schist and lending its name to the building, led to experimenting with glass building elements to evoke crystal-like qualities in the façade.

The glass curtain-wall enveloping the open-plan office spaces features angled glass panels that correspond to the block's edges and height, establishing a connection with the scale of the structure. The volumetric attributes of the building are defined by local regulations, and are accentuated through the contrasting materials employed in the façade.

Exploration of glass as a material

Glass, originating from earthly components such as sand, ash, and limestone, typically serves to create transparent and luminous spaces in architectural designs. However, glass can possess dominant aesthetic qualities beyond transparency. Thus, the project regards glass as a semi solid material, rather than merely a transparent surface.

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.

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 double-skin 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 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.