The use of authentic material and construction techniques in historical conservation: Orhaneli stone school as a case

Abstract

Most of the technological materials used in the building constructions have negative affects to ecological balance and human-nature-environment interactions. Being able to hand down today’s resources to next generations is of great importance in terms of sustainability. For this reason, during construction, it is necessary to reduce costs of use, make use of natural, local, low maintenance, recyclable and eco-friendly building materials, create healthy, comfortable and livable environments and develop strategies intended for the protection of ecosystem. In this article, the applications made during the restoration of the structure of Bursa Orhaneli Stone School will be examined in terms of sustainability, authentic materials and construction techniques. Exterior walls constructed by using masonry system and interior walls made by using the cob-filled timber structure system, timber trusses for roof system will be dealt with in detail and its construction stages will be explained. The characteristics of the cob material, mud plaster applications made on laths, fire-resistant for materials and the other application details will be shown. Moreover, suggestions will be proposed regarding the use, regular maintenance and repair following the restoration of the building and how to keep and hand down it to next generations with confidence.