MADO architects designs a 'vertical neighborhood' in the heart of tehran

MADO architects was challenged to redesign a residential complex situated in tehran, iran. the project, titled 13chenar, had already begun construction but due to the client’s dissatisfaction the team at MADO were commissioned to revise the scheme. the changes they made proposed a series of ‘layers’ to the building, in order to create a vertical neighborhood in the heart of the city.

all images courtesy of MADO architects

the former design was a bubble deck system that freed the interior from structural elements and moved them toward the edges of the slabs. it was realized up to the fourth slab when MADO architects were asked to revise the project. rather than design just a simple façade, the team proposed a serious set of changes both in the façades and the architecture as a whole.

layers in the façade creating a vertical neighborhood

the revised design focuses on the edges of the building to define a hierarchy from outside in. the result is a 3D dynamic façade that provides in-between spaces instead of typically flat 2D elevations. all the requirements of the apartments are located between the core and the shear walls, leaving a ring around the resident’s unit that defines the ‘layers’ of the elevation.

lobby view

this area, which measures 1.5m in depth, rings around each apartment, provides a private balcony space. the ring embraces the building periphery and gives every unit a distinctive characteristic. it also extends through the interior to enrich living spaces with natural light and ventilation, connecting users with the natural outdoor environment.

reception view

living room interior view

party room

illustration

east façade

levelling

diagram

under construction

project info:

project name: 13chenar

project location: tehran, iran

architecture firm: MADO architects

head architect: maziar dolatabadi

lead architect: moein nikaeen

design team: bashir zahedi, shima sherafati, faeghe khalili

detail design: deniz ebrahimi azar

3D design & rendering: saeid yousefvand

visualiser: tina shahnazari

drawing: marjan mirkheshti, soroush ketabi

detail consultant: ali tirgan

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: lynne myers | designboom