Interview about Pardis Kahneh Residenial, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2021
The 9 stories building, inspired of Persian historical vertical gardens. The facade is a combination of a simple surface that completely encloses a volume by making diagonal section cut. Surface is a wooden lattice by pattern deign inspired by the metaphorically the cedar, the dynamic lattice is so flexible that can be opened or closed by users to adjust privacy. While the other surface is totally covered by turquoise stone, is a small garden in the lobby and back yard which is like a sunken courtyard and there is a roof garden with trees.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsThe Pardis Khaneh residential project draws from the grandeur of the Persian hanging gardens, particularly in how these gardens serve as peaceful sanctuaries in bustling urban spaces. By integrating this concept vertically, we aimed to recreate an oasis-like environment for residents while preserving a sense of seclusion and relaxation. This inspiration influenced our approach to spatial organization and green integration across different levels of the building. The garden terraces are not merely ornamental; they function as microenvironments, each carefully curated to foster tranquility, improve air quality, and serve as an intermediary between interior and exterior. The result is a building that reinterprets a Persian historical motif while addressing the needs of contemporary urban dwellers.
The wooden lattice facade is a reinterpretation of the “mashrabiya,” a traditional Persian architectural element that blends aesthetic beauty with functional privacy. This flexible design element allows residents to control light, shade, and privacy, creating a personalized atmosphere while connecting them to the external environment. Inspired by nature’s seasonal shifts, the lattice’s dynamic quality transforms the building’s appearance throughout the day, interacting with sunlight and shadow. This intentional layering adds richness to the facade, making it responsive to the user’s lifestyle and enhancing the resident experience by merging function with artistic expression.
Persian miniature art, known for its intricate details and symbolic representation, deeply influenced Pardis Khaneh’s design philosophy. These artworks offer a window into traditional Persian landscapes, often filled with harmonious proportions and nature-inspired elements. By applying these aesthetics, we aimed to create a narrative within each architectural component, evoking a miniaturized paradise that combines visual elegance with functional utility. For instance, pathways, garden spaces, and structural details reflect the deliberate composition seen in miniatures, contributing to a cohesive visual story within the building’s architecture.
The turquoise stone facade as symbol of water, juxtaposed with wooden elements, was chosen to evoke the rich colors found in Persian architecture, particularly in historic houses and gardens where turquoise tiles are prevalent. This material choice serves both aesthetic and symbolic purposes, representing spiritual depth and timeless beauty while connecting to Iran’s cultural identity. The wood softens the stone’s boldness, adding warmth and echoing the cedar trees incorporated into the design. This combination not only celebrates Iranian heritage but also fosters an inviting, organic feel that harmonizes with the natural surroundings
Developing the hinge rotation system for Pardis Khaneh’s movable wooden panels was technically demanding. These panels needed to be sturdy, weather-resistant, and user-friendly. Through rigorous material testing and structural modeling, we devised a custom hinge system that allows smooth rotation while minimizing wear and tear. This innovation enables residents to easily adjust the panels, adapting the level of privacy and ventilation as desired. The solution reflects our commitment to blending tradition with modern functionality, providing a versatile architectural feature that enhances the user’s interaction with their environment.
Pardis Khaneh embodies a respectful fusion of Iranian architectural identity and contemporary lifestyle requirements. This balance is maintained by drawing from cultural motifs while adapting them to modern forms and functions. For example, the garden terraces and wooden lattice elements offer a fresh take on Persian design traditions, while spatial configurations cater to urban living demands. This dual approach ensures the design remains relevant and accessible to today’s residents while preserving a cultural resonance that feels authentically Iranian.
Incorporating cedar trees across multiple floors presented both structural and botanical challenges. To ensure the trees could thrive, we collaborated with landscape architects and structural engineers, designing custom planting beds with adequate soil depth and drainage. The building’s irrigation and support systems were carefully engineered to maintain the health of these living elements, which add a unique layer of greenery and vertical continuity to the facade. This integration not only enhances the aesthetic but also supports the microclimate within the building, reducing heat and improving air quality.
Winning the Bronze A’ Design Award and another international awards underscored the successful equilibrium between tradition and modernity achieved in Pardis Khaneh. Throughout the design process, we continuously evaluated how each element—whether inspired by heritage or cutting-edge technology—would interact. By maintaining a deep respect for cultural identity while addressing present-day needs, the project embodies a harmonious blend that resonates on multiple levels, honoring the past without compromising the future.
The sunken courtyard and roof garden introduce layers of green space that significantly enhance the building’s environmental performance. By maximizing green coverage, these spaces reduce heat absorption, lower energy consumption, and create comfortable communal areas for residents. The courtyard fosters a cooler microclimate within the building, while the roof garden offers an elevated sanctuary, promoting mental well-being. Together, these features encourage a holistic lifestyle where residents can engage with nature, benefiting both their health and the building’s ecological footprint.
By bridging two public gardens, Pardis Khaneh redefines residential architecture’s role in urban connectivity. This approach envisions buildings not as isolated entities but as part of a larger urban fabric, where architecture can positively impact community interactions and access to green spaces. most of people who walking front of project stopped for watching facade . As Tehran continues to grow, this perspective could guide future developments, encouraging designs that foster connectivity, sustainability, and shared green spaces. Such integration can lead to more livable, harmonious cities, where architecture actively contributes to urban well-being.
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