‘Dasht-e-chehel Villa’ is a dwelling that slightly hovers above a sloping plot in Damavand, Iran. Through this project,

35-51 Architecture Office sought to optimize both the outdoor and indoor living experience in a cold climate. Thus, the structure provides inhabitants a cozy and safe zone when outdoors while offering an intimate interior without losing sensory and visual connection with the outside.

all images by 35-51 Architecture office

For ‘Dasht Villa’,  the architects started with a structure that follows the direction of the terrain, like most configurations in the area. Then on, they opted to cut out a diagonal part of the structure, making the most of the amazing view towards the north, thus bringing it to the heart of the building. With this gesture, they also achieved the feeling of blurring the boundaries between outside and inside to reach greater freedom and a seamless transition of the spaces. In addition, an outdoor roof was formed allowing users to enjoy the elements during the cold seasons and also letting them use the midday heat all the while being protected from direct sunlight.

In the southern part of the building, the architects shaped a glass chamber with a thick stone wall behind (Trombe wall) and some openings at its top and bottom. This way, the thermal energy radiated during the day can be stored and used to heat the building at night. Finally, in an attempt to avoid flattening or stepping the site — a common solution for the sloping lands — the horizontal and vertical access routes became ramps to provide more smooth and comfortable movements throughout the building and enhance the feeling of freedom. Overall, the design team sought to shape an environment that doesn’t confine the residents inside, but conversely, it prompts them to utilize a larger part of its exterior during cold periods.

name: Dasht-e-chehel Villa design team: Hamid abbasloo-abbas yaghooti-neda adiban rad architects: 35-51 Architecture Office

location: Damavand, Tehran Province, Iran

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. See more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: christina petridou | designboom

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