illuminating voids puncture through brick-laid annab house in iran

Annab House forms around an ancient Annab tree

Annab House, designed by Ayeneh Office, is a two-story residential project in Najafabad that combines private living with guest accommodations while prioritizing the preservation of an ancient Annab tree (jujube) on the site. The design approach is centered on creating a harmonious connection between the architecture and the surrounding natural environment. Key elements of the design include a unique pathway from the entrance to a small courtyard, punctuated by a prominent staircase. This pathway defines the spatial experience and guides movement through the house, while multiple small voids introduce natural light into the interior, enhancing the spatial quality. The house is positioned on the northern side of the site, enclosing the southern courtyard. The slight setback of the building aligns with the neighboring structure to the east, creating a balanced relationship with the surroundings and framing the Annab tree as a focal point.

Ayeneh Office blends architecture with natural landscape

The entrance leads to a western path that opens into a cozy courtyard, where the house’s main entry is located. This path, along with the staircase, forms a continuous design element that connects the exterior and interior spaces. The architects ensure privacy by orienting the entrance away from the public areas. A partition wall creates a clear separation between the entrance and the rest of the house, delineating public and private zones.

The living room, positioned behind the partition, is illuminated by an eastern-facing window, while the kitchen and living spaces open up to the southern courtyard, taking advantage of natural light. The bedrooms are situated in the northern section of the house, with each room receiving sunlight from either the south or east. A distinctive void in the northern part of the house adds character to the bathroom, allowing for natural light penetration. The upper floor functions as a self-contained guest unit, complete with a living room, kitchen, master bedroom, and bathroom. The guest area also features a traditional ‘baharkhab’ that benefits from southern light, while the bedroom and kitchen face north, maintaining a cohesive design that integrates the guest space with the overall architectural concept.

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project info:

name: Annab House
architect: Ayeneh Office | @ayenehoffice

lead architects: Ali Soltani, Atefeh Karbasi

design team: Karen Kalantari, Shadi AmirKaveh

client: Mr. Ahmadi

area: 280 sqm

location: Najafabad, Iran

graphic: Mahsa Navaeizadeh

photography: Ali Gorjian | @A_Gorjian

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