On the outskirts of Istanbul in the industrial setting of Kocaeli, the 162-bed Hotel was established to provide comfortable accommodation at reasonable prices. Close to major roadways, its bold branding recalls the stopover of old. Designed to be energy-efficient, it is divided into two main parts: a two-storey-high base, accommodating the lobby, bar, restaurant and meeting rooms, and the white mass above, comprising rooms and suites. The facade of the L-shaped block is built of giant prefabricated concrete panels where windows are treated merely as intervals. Both masses are brought together around a central courtyard, providing light to the spaces around and the huge foyer area of meeting halls placed on the level below.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture