TMB Headquarters
The Turkish Contractors Association Headquarters (TCA) in Ankara is more than just an office building—it is a statement of sustainability and innovation, designed to lead Türkiye’s construction industry into a new era of environmentally responsible architecture. As a result of a limited design competition, this project was shaped by a multidisciplinary team of international and local experts, including Atelier Ten from London as environmental engineers. Built on advanced environmental design principles, the headquarters integrates collaboratively developed, energy-efficient solutions, ensuring its place as a leading example of sustainable architecture in Türkiye.
TMB Headquarters, Ankara
Passive Conditioning, Active Design
The TMB Headquarters features Turkey’s first modern underground labyrinth, developed to enable passive air conditioning. By preconditioning fresh air through stable ground temperatures, the system reduces reliance on mechanical cooling. Combined with chilled beam technology, it supports consistent indoor comfort with lower energy demand. This integration reflects a design approach where architecture and environmental performance work in synergy.
Eco Diagram, TMB Headquarters
1. Hot air in external environment goes from stacks into the labyrinth.
2. Hot air cools down naturally as it covers distance inside the labyrinth.
3. Air losing its heat reaches air conditioning stations according to conditions, if necessary it is further cooled down.
4. Air going through canals embedded in R/C slabs also cooling concrete mass reaches cold beams.
5. Cold beam depending on the need in the environment further cools down the air, releasing it into the interior.
6. Air heated up due to the impact of machines and people is collected in ventilation ducts and carried to heat recovery units.
7. The atrium at the core of the building with stack effect collects all heated air at the highest level, carrying it to heat recovery stations, again through ducts.
8. Thanks to the mesh and shade elements forming the exterior of the building, heat recovery is minimized.
9. There are also hot air pipes and photo-voltaic panels on the roof.
The TCA Headquarters sets a national standard for sustainable workplace architecture by uniting visionary design, environmental stewardship, and advanced engineering.
A LEED Platinum Certified Landmark
The TCA Headquarters achieved LEED Platinum certification, setting a new benchmark for sustainability not only in Ankara but across Turkey’s construction sector. By combining visionary design, environmental responsibility, and cutting-edge engineering, this building stands as a symbol of progress, redefining the future of workplace architecture.
The façade design combines architectural and thermodynamic strategies, using layered mesh, varied transparency, and dynamic volumetric shifts—highlighted by a cantilevered conference hall—to create both functional efficiency and a striking visual identity.
The façade composition is shaped through coordinated architectural and thermodynamic studies, including chilled beam performance and heat gain simulations. A layered mesh system envelops the office floors, while transparency increases at the main entrance and terrace levels. The cantilevered conference hall creates a strong visual expression along the façade. Subtle shifts between volumes animate the envelope and enhance spatial articulation.
TMB HQ on National TV
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