Thermally Insulated Aluminium Window Application
Optimal Mimarlık designed and installed thermally insulated aluminium door and window systems for the Depot and Administrative Building of the Alarko Holding Kabataş–Mahmutbey Metro Project in Istanbul.
The aluminium window units were engineered according to the architectural design, thermal insulation requirements, natural daylight needs and intended use of the building. Due to the height of the window units and the dimensions of the opening sashes, project-specific profile reinforcements, connections and hardware solutions were developed instead of relying on standard details.
Structural Reinforcement for Tall Window Units
The thermally insulated aluminium window units specified for the project reached a height of 435 cm. At this height, the vertical mullions required additional structural reinforcement to withstand the calculated loads and control deflection.
For this purpose, 80 × 120 × 3 mm box sections were installed on the outer sides of the vertical mullions. The box sections were fixed to the aluminium profiles using concealed screws, preventing visible screw heads on the finished surfaces. This detail transformed the aluminium mullions and box sections into custom-reinforced vertical structural profiles working together as a single assembly.
The reinforcement solution increased the load-bearing capacity and bending stiffness of the vertical mullions without compromising the architectural appearance of the window units. The aluminium profiles, box-section reinforcements and connection points were evaluated as an integrated system to provide structural stability for the 4.35-metre-high modules.
Large-Format Tilt-and-Turn Sashes
The architectural design required large tilt-and-turn sashes measuring 150 × 217 cm. Due to the dimensions and resulting weight of the sashes, standard window fittings were replaced with special Roto tilt-and-turn hardware suitable for large-format opening elements.
The hardware was selected by considering the sash dimensions, weight, opening method and expected frequency of use. The project-specific hinge, locking and movement mechanisms enabled the large sashes to operate in both side-hung and tilt positions in a controlled and functional manner.
Compatibility between the aluminium profiles, glazing, gaskets and Roto hardware was treated as a key design criterion. This coordinated approach supported correct sash closure, operational comfort and the long-term performance of the window system.
Project-Specific Design and Installation
The Alarko Kabataş–Mahmutbey Metro Depot and Administrative Building application combined tall window modules, large-format tilt-and-turn sashes, concealed box-section reinforcements and special window hardware within a single coordinated system.
The project-specific details developed by Optimal Mimarlık addressed structural strength, thermal insulation, operational safety and architectural appearance together. The result was a reinforced and functional aluminium window solution designed specifically for the building’s tall openings and large operable sashes.
You can also review the Kabataş–Mahmutbey Metro octagonal skylight application completed within the same project.
