Bilkent University Student Residences

FXCollaborative, the american architecture firm founded in 1978, built the Bilkent University Student Residences, a student residence near the main campus of Bilkent University, west of Ankara.

The constricted project site, adjacent to another, older student residence building, led the design team to distribute the program in an L-shaped configuration to create a courtyard between the two structures.

The longer of the new building’s two wings is adjacent to, and as far as possible from, the existing dormitory, allowing ample sunlight to reach the courtyard. The building is deeply inspired by the Passive House Standard, utilizing ample insulation, thermal bridge mitigation, enhanced airtightness measures, triple glazing, and energy recovery ventilation.

Each façade is designed to optimize its specific solar orientation. A nearly one meter depth on the east- and west-facing façades provides interior shading, and external shading devices protect a south-facing curtain wall.

In harmony with the local climate and culture, the entire structure is covered with Turkish travertine and basalt stone which perfectly integrate the new student residence within its context.