01. The Challenge
1. Needs Analysis and User Experience
- Creating spacious areas where employees can relax, socialize, and also hold meetings when necessary is crucial. The seating arrangements should ensure personal space and provide flexible seating configurations that can accommodate different social groups.
2. Sustainable Landscape Design
- Low Water Consumption: Drought-tolerant plants and local species can be used. Succulents, lavender, olive trees, and similar plants require minimal water, making the landscape both aesthetically pleasing and practical.
- Soil and Plant Selection: Choosing plants that are suited to the local climate and soil conditions will ease maintenance and ensure long-term beauty. Also, using environmentally friendly materials contributes to sustainability.
3. Irrigation System and Water Management
- Drip Irrigation System: A drip irrigation system is efficient, providing water directly to the roots, which helps conserve water while maintaining plant health.
- Ground Surface Design: High water retention surfaces and areas that minimize water evaporation can help reduce water loss.
4. Lighting and Security
- Ambient Lighting: Lighting should both ensure security and create a warm atmosphere for evening use. LED lighting provides energy efficiency while adding a stylish touch.
- Special Lighting Features: For meeting areas, more intense and focused lighting should be installed, while social areas can have softer lighting for a cozy atmosphere.
5. Insulation and Infrastructure
- Paving Materials: To soften the harsh appearance of concrete, natural stones, wood, or recycled materials can be used for flooring. It's also important to consider the terrace's load-bearing capacity.
- Thermal Insulation: Materials used in the open spaces should help with thermal insulation, reducing heat during the summer. Features like shading structures (e.g., pergolas) can be added to ensure comfort.
6. Pleasant Social and Relaxation Spaces
- Modular Furniture: Portable, stylish furniture can be used in different meeting and relaxation areas. The seating layout should be flexible and accommodate various groups of people.
7. Long-Term Ease of Maintenance
- Automatic Irrigation Systems: Since employees may not have time for regular maintenance, every aspect of the design should be chosen for minimum upkeep, which will make the landscape easier to maintain over time.
- Low-Maintenance Plants: Local and resilient plants should be chosen for easy care and long-term sustainability.
This project, with thoughtful attention to every detail, would create a sustainable, aesthetically pleasing, and functional space for employees, ensuring that it remains usable and beautiful for many years.
02. The Solution
1. Durable and Strong Substructure
- The metal frame placed beneath the wood material ensures stability and longevity. Wood can naturally degrade over time, but with such a substructure, the material remains more stable and durable.
2. Creating a Gap Between the Wood and Concrete
- Leaving a gap between the concrete floor and the wood helps to prevent moisture from directly affecting the wood. This reduces the risk of decay or damage to the wood caused by moisture. Additionally, the gap allows the material to breathe, contributing to its long-term durability.
3. Wooden Deck in a Grid Pattern
- The grid-like decking not only provides an aesthetically pleasing look but is also highly functional. This design allows water to pass through efficiently, preventing accumulation on the wood’s surface, which reduces the risk of slipping.
4. Drainage and Water Management
- The drainage system is a crucial detail. Thanks to the gap beneath the wood, water flows easily underneath and is directed to the drainage grids through the gap and the slope created on the floor. This prevents water accumulation on the surface and ensures quick drainage, helping the surface dry out and the moisture dissipate.
5. Longevity and Low Maintenance
- This design extends the lifespan of the wood and reduces the need for constant maintenance. Preventing water accumulation ensures the wood lasts longer and maintains its aesthetic appeal.
This kind of flooring design perfectly balances aesthetics, durability, water management, and longevity. It not only creates a space that employees can use comfortably but also makes it easier to maintain. Great solution!
This space was large and beautiful, which allowed us to create different concepts. We were able to design open seating areas, closed and sheltered seating areas, meeting spaces, areas for large groups, and spaces for smaller groups. By creating these areas in various concepts, we aimed to provide variety and flexibility. Additionally, we designed custom planters to incorporate plenty of plants into the space. For the planters, we selected a lightweight soil mix rich in minerals. We chose plants based on the sun and wind conditions of the area. We also tried to create as many green spaces as possible in the environments we designed. Throughout the area, we planned a drip irrigation system and an efficient lighting system. We prioritized plant varieties that allow us to enjoy all four seasons.
03. The Result
The result was truly amazing. It became a space where people can breathe and relax throughout the entire year. A place where they can calm down, reduce work-related stress, and feel valued. This environment allows individuals to feel more refreshed and can enhance their productivity during work hours. When combined with the extensive material knowledge and creativity of our Landscape Architect, Sevtap Toraman, the outcome was, once again, fantastic.And of course, we are very lucky that our employer trusted us completely, accepting all of our ideas and suggestions without hesitation. When you have knowledge, experience, and design strength, it’s inevitable that they will trust you.
We created a sustainable and low-maintenance landscaping area. We considered every detail, from the water flowing under the pots to the rainwater collection. We created an environment where the plants can grow healthily and ensured its sustainability. By using pots of different sizes, we added three-dimensionality and movement to the space. We made the lines of the areas where the pots are placed clear and distinct. We also designed the endings with special separators. Using natural stone and wood, we tried to create a warm atmosphere in the area. It turned out to be a beautiful project that has earned the appreciation of everyone."
