berania office's sweeping villa blends global aesthetic with iranian architecture

tehran-based architecture, engeneering and construction firm, berania office, designed a residence for a nature-loving client by integrating the garden into the cottage. located in the zibadsasht region of karaj, iran, the site included a 2000 sqm garden with a cottage placed at its center. the project dealt with removing the cottage and rebuilding a more spacious home with ample views of the exterior, including two stunning weeping willow trees. 

berania office decided to keep the two existing weeping willow trees as part of the project to connect the new with the old. the untouched landscape reminded both the clients and designers alike of the garden’s past. the clients requested a residential/recreational villa to inhabit with their children and parents, which include a pool, outdoor living spaces, balconies with garden views, and warm, cozy interiors.

it was important for the clients to have ample space to celebrate and gather on the weekends, with family and friends. so true to iranian traditions, the designers created open spaces connected to nature, for the family to host events and enjoy. 

berania office referenced both global and local design in their contemporary residential project. the white concrete surface with smooth lines and a fluid form alludes a more global aesthetic, while the warm brick core with detailed finishes and a more human scale references iranian architectural qualities. the designers took inspiration from iran’s sunken gardens, porches, apertures lightings, and the presence of nature and water in buildings, to connect with the vernacular geography.

the home’s structure and architecture completely intertwine with each other and become the project’s eye-catching element. the concrete surface curves and shapes the architectural concepts, providing structure and stability to the building. the western walls, northern walls and the wall on cantilever become the shear wall of the project and functions structurally to withstand earthquakes. even the cantilever’s wall that does not reach the foundation has structural properties, which connect the roof to the ground floor. 

the architects used two kinds of structural systems that hold up the residence. the waffle slabs were used to maintain the delicacy of form and take the load from multiple spanning distances. while the second part includes the shear wall network to avoid making heavier structural frames. this allowed the designers to use thinner and asymmetric columns throughout the project. the structure becomes a key characteristic of the residence’s facade, enabling to open up the spaces and create uninterrupted views of the garden. 

project info:

project name:

design: berania office

location: karaj, iran

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edited by: cristina gomez | designboom