Interview about Chahar Gah Villa, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2022
Chahar Gah in Iran, is situated in a territory on the western coast of the Caspian sea, a town called Anzali. A dwelling space wherein tries to invite surrounding environment neatly to inside and communicate eloquently. This building has tried to solve the visual boundaries between inside and outside and communicate with the changing seasons and adapt to it and use the natural process of air circulation for ventilation. At the same time its residents have a new experience of transparency and a free plan with have privacy and cozy places in the same time for better feeling change of seasons.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsBlending traditional Iranian architecture with modern sustainability, we drew from regional elements like sloping roofs for rain control and natural ventilation, reimagining them with contemporary design. Using energy modeling software, we optimized air circulation and lighting while maintaining transparency. This fusion allowed us to honor heritage while achieving eco-efficiency, setting a precedent for integrating cultural identity with green architecture.
The suspended spaces and transparent design were inspired by Anzali’s stunning landscape and traditional extroverted architecture. By framing nature through expansive openings, we created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. This design strengthens residents’ connection with the Caspian Sea while ensuring privacy and maximizing light, air, and scenic enjoyment, offering an immersive experience with the environment.
The elongated form and chimney were carefully designed to enhance natural ventilation by aligning with the region’s climatic conditions. The sloping shell ensures rainwater drainage and prevents air turbulence, while the chimney fosters airflow. This balance between functionality and aesthetics optimizes indoor air quality and energy use, exemplifying how thoughtful architecture can harmonize nature and design.
To balance transparency and privacy, we employed suspended cubic volumes within the transparent shell, strategically positioned to provide independent zones. The intermediate spaces, layered facades, and insulated glass foster visual openness while maintaining seclusion. This innovative layout ensures residents enjoy unobstructed views without compromising their sense of security or privacy.
The varying cubic volumes evolved from our desire to merge functional diversity with architectural intrigue. By raising certain spaces, we created distinct yet interconnected zones that enhance privacy, light flow, and spatial dynamics. This configuration enriches daily living by offering versatile environments for communal activities and personal retreat, emphasizing human sociality within the architectural form.
The sloping outer covering draws from traditional roofs, reimagined with modern material and structural efficiency. This element shelters against rain and wind while creating a striking visual identity. It acts as both a symbolic homage to local heritage and a functional feature that supports ventilation, temperature regulation, and energy efficiency, making it integral to the villa’s design.
To embrace Anzali’s coastal environment, we designed biophilic spaces with large openings, suspended volumes, and natural ventilation. Seasonal adaptability was key, allowing residents to experience nature while sheltered from rain or wind. The interplay of light, air, and views creates spaces that respond to seasonal changes, enriching the living experience with harmony and sustainability.
Natural light was integral to shaping intermediate spaces, creating dynamic interactions between light and shadow. The transparent layers and sloping roof guide daylight into transitional zones, enhancing spatial depth and ambiance. This approach enriches the architectural experience, connecting residents with the natural rhythms of the environment while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Chahar Gah Villa’s passive systems use its elongated form, sloping roof, and natural ventilation to enhance energy efficiency. The shell’s chimney and openings regulate airflow, while thermal insulation minimizes energy loss. These elements collectively optimize heating, cooling, and lighting, reducing energy demands year-round while maintaining comfort and environmental harmony.
The suspended volumes and open spaces facilitate interaction and retreat by integrating family and private zones into a cohesive layout. The central open area fosters social activities, while elevated cubes offer solitude. This balance supports both community and individual needs, ensuring a dynamic living environment that adapts to diverse lifestyles and interactions.
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