Construction, Renovation and Strengthening
Historic Building Restoration and Heritage Repair in Ankara
We repair listed and historic buildings with respect for their original values, staying true to the project approved by the conservation council, and carry them into the future.
Overview
A historic building is much more than an ordinary building: it carries the construction techniques, material culture and way of life of an era. Every intervention in such a building must be considered together with the responsibility of protecting it. In the process of historic building restoration, the fundamental principle is to keep the building standing without losing its original value.
At Çayyolu Architecture & Construction, we coordinate the preparation and approval of measured survey, restitution and restoration projects for historic Ankara houses, listed residences and other buildings that need protecting, and carry out the approved project under expert supervision. We combine our 20 years of construction and renovation experience with the care and patience a historic building demands.
Our Services
The Key Stages of the Restoration Process
Measured survey
This is the documentation of the building’s current state by measuring it and recording it in plans, sections and elevations. Damage, materials and later additions are all recorded.
Restitution
This is the reconstruction, based on research, documents and traces in the building, of the building’s original state or its state in a particular period.
Restoration project
This is the project that defines which interventions will be made to the building and with which materials and techniques; the works are carried out according to this project.
Structural and material assessment
Where deemed necessary, the condition of the structural system and original materials is examined by specialists; the findings guide the restoration project.
Council approval
For listed buildings, the projects prepared are submitted to the relevant regional conservation council for review; works can only begin after approval.
Supervised works
The works, carried out in strict accordance with the approved project, remain open to supervision by the project authors and the relevant authorities.
A Closer Look
The Difference Between Measured Survey, Restitution and Restoration
These three concepts are often confused, but they are distinct stages that follow one another. The measured survey documents “how the building is now”. Restitution seeks to establish “how the building was”. The restoration project, in the light of these two studies, defines “how the building will be protected and repaired”.
The projects are prepared by architects and engineers qualified in the field. Where necessary, structural assessments and material analyses are also part of this process. We manage communication with these teams and contribute to the project with our observations on site.
02
Conservation Council Approval for Listed Buildings
Interventions to a listed building or within a conservation area are subject to the approval of the relevant regional conservation council. No repair, alteration or demolition should be carried out on a listed building without an approved project; this is both a legal requirement and the fundamental safeguard for the building’s protection.
Which approvals are required depends on the building’s listing status and the nature of the planned intervention. Before starting the process, we clarify your building’s status together and guide you so that the necessary applications are made in the right order.
- Finding out the building’s listing status and conservation conditions
- Commissioning the measured survey, restitution and restoration projects
- Following the projects through the conservation council approval process
- Supervised works in strict accordance with the approved project
03
Respect for Original Materials and Techniques in Practice
Restoration work must be carried out in the building’s own language, not according to modern construction habits. Repair techniques compatible with original materials such as timber, stone, mud brick or brick are applied according to the methods defined in the project. Every original element that can be preserved is kept in place; those that need renewing are completed in line with the project.
Throughout the works, we stay in regular contact with the specialists who prepared the project and make no decisions on unexpected situations encountered on site without first seeking their opinion. In historic buildings, work such as roof repairs, insulation and building services are also planned so as not to compromise the building’s authenticity.
If you own or manage a historic building and don’t know where to take the first step, you can call us or send photos of your building via WhatsApp. After a preliminary assessment, let’s plan the process together.
Our Process
How We Work
01
Initial meeting and on-site inspection
We see your building on site and assess its listing status and your expectations together with you.
02
Coordinating the project process
We organise the preparation of the measured survey, restitution and restoration projects by qualified specialists.
03
Following up approvals
We closely follow the projects’ approval process with the relevant conservation council and authorities.
04
Firm quote and work schedule
We define the scope based on the approved project and present an itemised quote and work schedule.
05
Supervised works
We carry out the works in strict accordance with the project, open to expert supervision and fully documented.
06
Handover and documentation
We hand over the building, documenting the work carried out with photographs and records.
Good to Know
Frequently Asked Questions
Can’t find the answer you are looking for? Give us a call — we will listen to your project and answer your questions right away.
0312 240 51 51What is the difference between a measured survey, restitution and restoration?
The measured survey documents the building’s current state, restitution seeks to establish its original state, and the restoration project defines how the building will be protected and repaired.
What approval is required to restore a listed building?
Interventions in listed buildings and conservation areas are subject to the approval of the relevant regional conservation council. The approvals required vary according to the building’s condition and the nature of the intervention.
How is the cost of restoration calculated?
The cost is determined by the size of the building, the extent of damage, the interventions defined in the approved project and the original materials and techniques to be used. We provide a firm quote based on the approved project.
Do you draw up the restoration project yourselves?
The projects are prepared by architects and engineers qualified in the field. We coordinate the project and approval process and carry out the approved project under expert supervision.
How long does restoration take?
The duration depends on the project and approval stages, the building’s condition and the scope of the works. We share with you the work schedule we prepare based on the approved project.
Free site visit
Let’s plan your project together
With 20 years of experience, we inspect your space on site and present the right solution with a clear roadmap. The site visit and first meeting are free of charge.