Design Studio 3 in the master’s degree
Iranian architecture has always been identified with buildings aligned with the context, surroundings, climate, and environment. There are many historic villages in Iran, shaped on the slopes of the hills and mountains, one of which is Hooraman. A plethora of reasons has been considered in the placement of these villages.
Being determined to grasp more about the wisdom behind this kind of architecture, new architects challenge themselves to design vernacular architecture. Allocating a big south-facing surface overlooking the valley (gaining sunshine), engaging the north part of the profile of the buildings in the bedrock, integrating the walls into the context, and making the most of soil features regarding head capacity and thermal lag of soil are some indications of Iranian architecture historical wisdom.
In order to decipher more meanings in historic architecture, get inspired, and replicate, adapt, and improve in a more original way, this university subject was designated to a design proposal for a place to build in this historic village located in mountainous areas of the western border city of Iran.
The design proposal is a cultural and residential complex that offers short-term rentals and informative tours to visitors. Places designated for this complex are apartments and suites inspired by the vernacular architecture of the context. The whole site is located around a mountain stream, while the lowest part of the complex is connected to the main road accessing the village. From the lowest point, a walking path is also allocated for pedestrians exactly where parking lots are designated in the design. The location of each unit is based on the topography, existing vegetation, and the stream.
There are two restaurants located on the highest level of the complex, one for traditional cuisine and the other for the international one. Like other layers that are allocated for units, restaurants have canopies made of timbers with details of vernacular architecture. Outdoor areas of these restaurants are considered beneath the canopies, which incorporate vines and bushy leaves (a common design in this area)
The conventional way to make a roof in Hoorman is analyzed and applied in the design of this complex. The first layer which plays the structural part of the roof is a net of local interlock timbers. On top of that, there is a plastic layer, bitumen-based insulation, and local gravels. The final cover is special clay with twigs in which work as an organic structure for the clay.
While every house as a semi-private terrace in front of it beneath the canopy, some steps from this area people can walk on top of the roof of lower-level houses which are also the passage area. Location of stairs to reach each level was considered organically and based on the houses’ entrances in a way that distinct domains would be provided for residents and pedestrians.
