iranian studio MAAN sculpts its monolithic ‘ayenevarzan house’ of solids and voids

a fortress dwelling in iran

MAAN architecture studio presents its ayenevarzan house as a monumental concrete dwelling along a sloping site in iran. the new project marks the permanent residence of a young couple with a unique background in art and culture. the monolithic construction occupies the outskirts of the village at the threshold of a region of untouched nature. to create a sense of safety while celebrating the natural surroundings, the house is defined by its introverted design which maintains sunlit and scenic views across the area’s alborz mountains.

images by hamid touri karami

solids and voids

informed by the boundaries of the site, the team at MAAN architecture studio organizes the house into three functional layers. two axes in either direction create a recessed layer of windows, skylights, and corridors. this strategy minimized the visibility of the interior spaces from the outside and maximized the exposure to daylight and views to the surrounding landscape. the role of these two axes goes beyond providing daylight and view. horizontally, two axes were defined between the three functional layers of the design. transparency is the main feature of these axis which made the whole building observable and controllable.

the intersection of these interior axes take shape as vertical voids which create a visual connection between the floors of the house. this condition creates an open interior with many cross-views — enhancing the atmosphere of ‘safety and control’ which the client desired.

exterior bridges link light-filled interiors

the voided intersections offer both a visual and physical connection throughout the spaces of MAAN studio’s ayenevarzan house. the occupant can easily circulate throughout the house with elements including glass openings between the interior spaces in the ground floor. here, access is allowed between the dining area and the kitchen. other connective elements include bridges, offer an exterior link between the light-filled interior spaces.

two balconies, in two different floors and on two different façades, represent two approaches. the central staircase leads to a balcony on the top floor which is enclosed in three sides and has a spectacular view only to absard fields, and not surrounding area. it is a gathering space for socializing and holding parties. on the other hand, the balcony on the first floor can be reached after passing the living room and the library. providing visual connection to other floors, it is enclosed by cantilever in the western façade and is used as an extension to the library.

the house in iran is designed with a minimal expression

glass partitions visually open up the interior while dividing functions

interior voids lend cross-views between floors

the introspective house maintains views of the natural surroundings

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project info:

project title: ayenehvarzan house

architecture: MAAN architecture studio

location: damavand, iran
design team: hamid karami, sara mohammadi, majid zamani, mohadeseh younesi
photography: hamid touri karami