Evaluation of Traditional Şirince Houses According to Sustainable Construction Principles

Abstract

Şirince is a village which has unique traditional building samples and which is heavily influenced by the influx of tourists in the summer season for the last decade. Many buildings in Şirince have changed function due to tourism activities and a significant amount of them have been renovated. Besides, some new buildings has been constructed from modern building materials such as reinforced concrete in the settlement. Since the management plan has not yet put into force in the region, excessive interventions can be seen in renovations and restorations. However, the settlement is still facing a decrease in population for some reasons. In order to preserve the population of Şirince the sustainability of the region has to be ensured and the existing historical and architectural texture has to be preserved. This study mainly focuses on the evaluation of Şirince according to sustainable construction principles and suggests some interventions in order to increase the sustainability. As a first statement it can be mentioned that, tourism has to be viewed as a means rather than an end to improve the sustainability of the settlement. The constructions has to be carried out according to ecology based principles, a healthy built environment has to be created and non-renewable natural sources has to be used efficiently to increase the sustainability in constructions. Excessive restoration interventions has to be prevented, traditional materials and techniques has to be preserved. Reusing and recycling of materials has to be evaluated in order to make environment-friendly applications.