Understanding and studying the inherent values of Persian architecture has been a primary concern in the creation of this project. The inward-focused houses of Iranian architecture are conceived as paradisiacal sanctuaries. All main spaces are introspective; the interiors are transparent and colorful. Color emerges within the inner layers of the architecture, and every interior space is painted, although it is worth noting that this concept is approached differently when it comes to urban elements such as domes and minarets.
Water, as a symbol of light, plays a vital role in Iranian houses and gardens. In Iranian garden design, waterways also function as guides, defining the main paths. Water creates attraction and connection between interior and exterior spaces (the world). In the Shazdeh Garden, located in Mahan, it is water that links the entrance building to the main pavilion behind it. In the Fin Garden, in Kashan, water flows through the interior of the building from four directions; it circulates within the main structure along the principal axes, completing the continuity between inside and outside and leaving no boundary between the building and the landscape.
In this villa’s design, as mentioned in the introduction, water acts as the central axis: it emerges from the heart of the villa and the central courtyard, flowing from the interior to the exterior landscape, seamlessly connecting the indoor and outdoor environments. Additionally, attention to the site’s unique topography reveals other spatial diagrams and relationships. The land is steep and asymmetric, allowing access to different project levels from within the site and ultimately shaping the main circulation through these access points. The dialogue between the form grounded on the terrain and its extension to the skyline allows the influence of topography and its continuity to the final edges of the volume to be observed. In fact, the skyline of the project reflects and extends the foundation upon which the volume rests.
Adopting an inward-looking approach for this villa not only aligns with the designer’s interpretation of Iranian architecture but also harmonizes with the project’s climate and environmental effects. The central courtyard, featuring water, colorful plants, and transparent surfaces, offers a unique experience for visitors while creating a protected central space against the wind. Moreover, with proper orientation toward the sun, it provides necessary natural light for the interior. The flow of water from the center of the house to the main entrance echoes the concepts of the Iranian garden.
The building’s outer shell, with its solid surface, contrasts with the transparent inner layer. However, the presence of openings and necessary entrances in the outer layer creates a strong yet permeable volume, showcasing the project’s colorful and transparent inner layers. Inspirational carvings throughout the structure make it shine like a precious and ancient jewel.
The design of this luxurious 1,200-square-meter villa, spread over three floors with amenities such as indoor and outdoor pools, spa, and treatment areas, provided a significant aesthetic opportunity for Saye Architects. It allowed them to produce a meticulously detailed yet open design, resulting in a dreamlike composition fully aligned with the design concept. In the project presentation, each document functions like a unique painting, contributing to the overall narrative.
