ZAV architects' sharp-edged geometries reflect the iranian mountainscape

‘The Man and The House’ RESIDENCE explores Architectural Duality

Tehran-based practice ZAV Architects designs The Man and The House residence nestled at the base of Mount Damavand in Iran, harmoniously converging the mountainscape with industrial construction. The architectural project explores the meeting point of the two concepts as an interplay between nature and imagination; and realism and technology.

The house’s architecture mirrors this exploration. At its core lies the intriguing duality of fantasy and logic, akin to the depths of the human subconscious and the heights of conscious thought. Built into the sloping terrain at the mountain’s foothill, the volume seamlessly adjusts to both the land’s contour and the occupants’ spatial requirements. As a result, the construction undergoes a series of adaptations to cater to varying spatial scenarios, effectively forming multiple attics.

all images by Parham Taghioff unless stated otherwise

ZAV Architects blends textures and color schemes

The transition between the seemingly contrasting realms occurs through a staircase that creates a tangible link between the two. The house, spanning three stories, becomes a spatial diagram representing the design team‘s main concepts. The cellar, the intermediary floor, and the attic are all interconnected through the central staircase.

The cellar is characterized by sharp and oblique geometry, and is dominated by the raw, dark textures of natural stone, complete with robust, secure walls. In contrast, the upper floors adopt a more conventional geometry with right angles, utilizing lightweight structures. These upper levels are coated with flat white surfaces and adorned with expansive windows, drawing in the surrounding landscape.

While the two distinct realms of the upper and lower levels maintain their character, they interconnect and infiltrate each other both visually and spatially. Meanwhile, the natural stones of the underground harmonize with geometric rhythms.

the sharp and oblique geometry imitates the mountain scenery | image by Soroush Majidi

the upper and lower levels maintain their character, while infiltrating each other both visually and spatially

a staircase creates a tangible link between the two distinct realms

the cellar, the intermediary floor, and the attic are all interconnected through the central staircase

the cellar is characterized by sharp and oblique geometry and is dominated by the raw textures of natural stone

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the upper floors adopt a more conventional geometry with right angles, utilizing lightweight structures

catering to varying spatial scenarios, the layout effectively forms multiple attics

the rooms arrange large windows that offer views of the surrounding landscape

first floor plan

second floor plan

third floor plan

roof plan

east elevation

section

project info:

name: The Man and The House
architect: ZAV Architects | @zavarchitects

design team: Mohamadreza Ghoudusi, Golnaz Bahrami, Fateme Rezaei, Sara Jafari

location: Damavand, Iran

photography: Parham Taghioff | @parhamtaghioff – Soroush Majidi

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom