Develi is one of the historical districts of Kayseri. Due to its location, this district has many tourist areas around it. Soğanlı, Nevşehir and Erciyes are some of these areas. The high-speed train line that will be completed recently between Kayseri Antalya will also contribute to Kayseri's tourism. An average of 2 million tourists a year come to Erciyes. In this intersection of these tourist areas, there is a need for a hotel. Develi itself is a unique town with a natural and historical background that people should experience.
The climate and natural material resources of this region have been the factors that define the architecture of this Develi. Traditional stone houses in Develi are remarkable architectural works. These stone structures generally have similar plan features. Even though there are differences on the facade from ornaments and openings, these houses are similar in a holistic approach. The existence of traditional houses today is also important for the history of this region. However, some of these houses have been destroyed or about to be demolished.
These stone houses were built without spaces between them. The destruction of some of these houses over time has disrupted the traditional order. The street texture created by the positioning of the houses has an important place in this order. The street is decisive both for the character of the district and the social life of the people living here. In other words, preserving the street texture means the sustainability of culture and social life.
The degradation of the street structure in Develi takes place especially in parts where the old and unprotected houses located. A street in the Everek neighborhood, the current name of which is İstiklal Street, was chosen. The reason for choosing this part of the Develi for the project area is that there are large gaps have developed over time between the traditional stone houses on this street. These gaps need to be filled appropriately for both the local people and the traditional buildings here. The structure to be built in the gaps should serve both the people coming from outside and the people living in Develi and provide the cultural sustainability there.
There are three traditional stone houses in the project area. These houses were re-functionalized and added to the hotel project proposal. One of these houses was arranged as the reception of the hotel. The other two were used as areas to serve both the hotel and the local people. These are workshop and cafe. The workshop is an area required for the sustainability of Develi's traditional handicrafts. In this workshop, both guests and local people will have the opportunity to experience the traditions of Develi. This workshop also provides space for the sale of wicker products, hand-woven carpets, and the Soğanlı doll produced here. This situation provides both cultural and economic support to the district. The reason of the third traditional house is designed as a cafe, is that the visitors who visit here but will not stay at the hotel can also experience the atmosphere where the old and the new meet.
Develi is rich in building materials. It is planned to use vernacular materials for the hotel which designed here. Basalt called Develi Wood was used in the interior walls. On the ceiling, Katran tree grown in Develi was used. Contrary to the modern material used in the exterior, traditional materials have been used in the interior to make users feel this region.
