Russ House is a distinctive residential project in the rural fabric of Korubaşı, where building biology principles are applied holistically through a design approach centred on human health and ecological considerations.

Composed of two separate volumes with different orientations, the house is organized to support a multigenerational living model. Designed as independent residential units, the two volumes are connected by a shared dining area. Defined by rammed earth walls and an earthen floor, this transitional space establishes a distinct material language while reinforcing the ecological character of the building.

Passive climate control strategies were adopted to reduce reliance on mechanical systems. Continuous clerestory windows just below the roof level provide balanced daylight to the interiors while allowing rising warm air to escape through a natural stack effect. Operable shutters and fixed timber louvers on the façades help control solar gains during the summer months, while removable shading elements installed over the pergolas provide flexible solar control that can adapt to seasonal conditions. A series of terraces, designed in response to the sun’s movement throughout the day, creates different outdoor living scenarios that support the use of exterior spaces throughout the year.

Gallery voids within both residential units establish vertical spatial continuity, enhancing the perception of volume and spaciousness. Different wall sections were developed according to the building’s orientation: massive walls with high thermal storage capacity were used on façades intended to benefit from solar gains, while highly insulated building layers were applied on other façades to improve thermal performance.

The structural system was designed as timber framing, with infill brickwork used within the frame cavities, earthen plaster and panels applied to interior wall surfaces, and reed panels selected for thermal insulation. Natural stone masonry was used for the exterior envelope, allowing the building to integrate with the rural architectural character of the region.

Currently under construction, Russ House stands out as an exemplary rural residential project that brings traditional building knowledge together with contemporary engineering approaches while applying building biology principles at a holistic scale.