In the heart of Karapınar, Turkey, amidst the vast expanse of a solar farm, stands a shimmering example of sustainable design in architecture. The Central Control Building by the Istanbul, Turkey-based Bilgin Architects is both, a technological hub and a symbolic interface between humanity, nature and technology, embodying the ethos of renewable energy in a previously ecologically degraded and deserted landscape. The only region in Turkey with a desert climate, while challenging, clearly was a source of inspiration for the studio.

The building is nestled within a designated renewable energy specialisation area and overlooks the largest solar energy facility in Turkey and Europe. With approximately 3.5 million solar panels spread over approximately 20 million square metres, the facility is one of the largest in the world. The Central Control Building is strategically placed 40 metres away from the panels to ensure minimal shadowing, maximising the efficiency of the solar farm. The building's low height further mitigates any potential disruptions to the solar array, while its reflective steel facade seamlessly integrates with the surrounding terrain, mirroring the vastness of the sky and the earth.

Designed as a study of contrasts, the façade design of the Central Control Building gives due importance to both form and function. The façade has been designed to be dual-layered and therefore, results in a dynamic interplay of light and shadow, blurring the boundaries between the building and its environment.

The internal layer, composed using 7,200 stainless steel panels in varying transparency levels, not only reflects the ever-changing light conditions but also serves as a shield against harsh sunlight, minimising heat absorption and optimising energy usage. This is achieved by considering geographical direction, optimum light requirements and the surrounding space in the design. The studio successfully creates a unique and non-repetitive pattern with the panels to bring the building to life.

As daylight fades into night, the facade transforms, revealing the illuminated interiors and courtyard within. The building's strategic single-story layout emphasises its connection to the landscape, while its detached design offers a sanctuary of tranquillity amidst the desert terrain. Though completely static, the façade is the most dynamic and visually striking aspect of the building.

“On cloudy days, the boundaries of the facade become blurred. The facade becomes not only a part of the building but also a part of the sky. As the night falls, the facade turns inside out, contrasting with the experience in daylight and revealing the interiors and courtyard at night,” says the studio.

Inside the building, the visitors are greeted by a welcoming foyer where the visual boundaries between interior and exterior dissolve. The central courtyard, a lush garden amidst the arid landscape, is almost like an oasis. It serves as the focal point of the building, guiding circulation and delineating private and common areas. The landscape design of the courtyard has been carefully crafted to include native plant species. This helps the space successfully establish a sustainable microclimate, offering respite from the harsh surrounding climate while also contributing to the building's energy efficiency.

Beyond being a fully functioning workspace that encompasses the technological infrastructure to control and manage the solar plant, the Central Control Building is also a dynamic hub for collaboration and learning. With facilities for offices, meetings, exhibitions and events, it invites engagement and interaction with solar technology and sustainable practices. Its design, informed by geographical parameters and optimum light requirements, creates a unique and immersive experience for occupants and visitors alike.

When viewed from a distance, the Central Control Building almost looks like a shimmering sculpture that stands to exemplify human innovation completely in sync with nature. Its reflective facade, inspired by the surrounding landscape, blurs the boundaries between earth and sky, symbolising the seamless integration of sustainable technologies into the fabric of our environment.

In the ever-expanding landscape of renewable energy, the Central Control Building shows that embodying the collective commitment towards a carbon-neutral future needn’t be boring. Embracing innovation to create spaces that are kind to the environment can result in examples of architecture and interior design that are not just super-efficient and highly functional but also interesting to look at and contribute to the visual appeal of the environment they sit in.

Project Details

Name: Central Control Building
Location: Karapınar, Konya, Turkey
Completion: 2023
Architects: Bilgin Architects
Design Team: Caner Bilgin, Begüm Yılmaz Bilgin, Cem Katkat, Serenay Gürkan, Elif Özüçağlıyan, Yıldırım Erbaz
Main Contractor: Kalyon Construction
Interior Design Project: BILGIN
Structural Project: Attec Design
Mechanical Project: Okutan Engineering
Electrical Project: Erke Sustainable Building Design Consulting
Landscape Project: BILGIN + MY Landscape
Infrastructure Project: Diyap Project
Facade Consultancy: CWG Consultancy
Parametric Design Consultant: Cemal Koray Bingöl
Lighting Design: UKON Lighting Consultancy
Acoustic Project: Mezzo Studio
Fire Safety Consultant: Mercek Fire Consultancy
Graphic Design: Dilara Sezgin
Architectural Consultant: İdil Erkol Bingöl
3d Print Reception Desk Design and Manufacturing: Rolab Studio
Architectural Model: Serdar Albaz