Buildings with Unique Designs

written by Architect Mustafa Kansay

The project area is located in Bellapais, behind the English School of Kyrenia. The land is mostly flat with a natural slope. The villa is facing south and all sides offer views of the sea.

COSTS SHAPE THE DESIGN
Our concept of design resembles new beginnings. We used not only the shape of an egg, but also the symbolic meaning behind it. This is why we named it the Egg House. Of course we wanted to include the oval shape of an egg in the design so this inspired the curves you will see at the front. Actually, we wanted to continue the wavy design at the back of the house as well but after analysing the cost, we agreed to keep the back walls plain and simple.
 
The wavy moulds used at the front increased the costs tremendously. As a matter of fact, if we were to use this technique anywhere else in the world it wouldn’t be this expensive. This is because it is difficult to find workmen on the island who can build the mould and then you have to persuade them that it isn’t difficult to make. It’s not difficult, it is something that hasn’t been done before. Therefore when they see the design they give excuses about it being difficult and extend the completion date, which increases costs in the long run.

“Let’s Create a Difference Together!”

THE RIGHT MATERIALS MAY BE THE SOLUTION

Mustafa Kansay’s Architecture Office prides itself in creating decorative designs at cheaper prices. We research the different materials and different techniques that can be used. These may be surface coating materials or painting materials. When we meet clients for the first time to discuss ideas, when they see a different design they tend to say “those will cost too much, let’s not do that”. But it might not be, the materials and techniques used may balance out the costs. Expensive designs negatively affect the number of impressive designs by architects. At our office we try to find a solution to everything and present different ideas to our clients, such as this villa.

The curved designs added an extra 30% to the frontage costs above a plain and simple wall. The building materials that will be used in this design are of a steel construction with timber details. The timber under the ceiling was the client’s choice. I advised the use of tiles with timber designs as they would reduce costs, but the client didn’t want to consider anything cheaper in this area. Timber is expensive and needs constant maintenance. This was discussed with the client who made the final decision.

THE OFFICIAL REQUIREMENTS TO START A PROJECT

The Egg House project drawings are momentarily at the architects association waiting for approval, they will be finalised by the time you read this article. This association examines the consistency between the drawing measurements and static calculations. They check to see if the plans will be applicable at the construction site. But before the plans go to the architects association, they have to be approved by the city planning first. City planning evaluates the percentage of the land used for construction, road access, and the number of floors. Thirdly, the drawings go to the chambers of engineers, followed by electricity and finally mechanical reviews.

After all of these approvals, you apply for a building permit from the relevant council or district governor’s office. At this stage, I would like to mention a pilot scheme started by the Nicosia Council where the property owner, architect, engineer, surveyor and council representative come together at the beginning of the construction and begin the project in a coordinated manner. The council representative then signs a petition approving the construction is as the drawings. This application was generally carried out when the building was completed. The council would approve the construction had been completed correctly but with the new application, the approval is given at the beginning with the coordination of more than one person. The property owner now has the responsibility of supervising workmen and the work done and the construction will be completed in accordance to the project drawings.

SURROUNDINGS COMPLETE A DESIGN

A design has to fit into its surroundings but architects generally choose a design that will stand out. If there is a certain feature, then the design should blend in with its surroundings as much as it can. Or if there is a historical building in the background than the design should complement this feature. In this regard, we can say we worked more freely on the Egg House.
 
On one hand, we enjoy creating unique designs because we do not always meet customers with new perspectives. I advise everyone who comes to the office to think freely. As a matter of fact, this is our company slogan. “Let’s create a difference together!” I have been in this sector for at least 19 years and with the advantage of having my own company, I have the opportunity to sell my own designs; not every architect has this opportunity. In general, an architect has to draw what the customers want. On the other hand, with some projects I become my own customer, therefore I can persuade myself easily.
 
For the interior design of the Egg House, our customers came together with our interior designers. This structure will have two floors consisting of a basement and ground floor. There are no inner walls in the drawings of the basement. It is one spacious area. Inner walls can be built to create rooms if required in the future. There are 3 bedrooms. All are en-suite and have beautiful sea views.

THE CONSTRUCTION PLAN OF THE EGG HOUSE

We are planning to start the construction in 2 months at the latest. We feel the project will be completed in at least a year. I believe it is best not to rush with starting a project. A construction should sit for a while after its framework has been completed then followed by laying the bricks. Doors, windows and timber details should come second and fine detailed workmanship should come third. I advise customers to give the project time to rest after each stage is completed because the inner structure may be slightly smaller or even bigger than the one they imagined to begin with. These rests will create opportunities to make changes if required. At the second stage, everything comes to life with the walls and the third stage is where dreams turn into reality. In short, when you don’t rush, you have happier results and costs can be controlled much easier.