suspended bookshelves float within villa's glazed volume by ayeneh office in tehran

Ayeneh Office sets Book-Nook Villa on Damavand’s hillside

The Book-Nook Villa, designed by Ayeneh Office, is situated in Damavand, Tehran, where architecture merges with the natural landscape. The villa serves as both a retreat and a space to house the client’s vast book collection, creating a connection between literature and the surrounding environment. Positioned on a slope, the villa is oriented north-south to capture the entire course of a nearby river, from its source to where it disappears into the woods. 

The structure is composed of two slabs, forming the floor and ceiling, with glass panels that offer panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Bookshelves are suspended from the ceiling, maintaining a clear distance from the walls and floor, preserving the openness and purity of the space. Columns are detached from the glass, enhancing the sense of weightlessness, as the villa seems to float in its natural setting.

all images by Ali Gorjian

villa’s lightweight forms float along the natural slope

A lightweight organic metal staircase descends from the slope, meeting the villa’s midsection, reinforcing its connection to the terrain. At one end, recessed into the slope, lies the service area, including a kitchen and bathroom, while the main living space is open to nature. A portion of the lower half of the library is embedded within a sloping recess. Inside, the villa’s furnishings are designed for comfort and reading, with views of the landscape framed by the suspended bookshelves. The interior is further accentuated by a single-piece Bakhtiari rug, adding warmth and color to the minimal design. Ayeneh Office’s architects designed this villa as a space for reflection, offering an immersive experience where the resident can retreat into the world of books while remaining deeply connected to the natural environment.

the Book-Nook Villa by Ayeneh Office integrates modern architecture with the natural landscape of Damavand

designed as a retreat, the villa houses the client’s vast book collection in a setting inspired by nature

the villa’s structure consists of two slabs for the floor and ceiling, with glass panels offering panoramic views

a lightweight metal staircase connects the villa to the terrain, reinforcing its relationship with the slope

positioned on a slope, the villa captures the full course of the nearby river, from its source to the woods

the service area, recessed into the slope, contains a kitchen and bathroom, blending utility with design

the lower portion of the library is embedded into the sloping terrain, seamlessly integrating architecture with nature

suspended bookshelves create an airy atmosphere, maintaining a distance from both walls and floors

inside, comfortable furnishings are designed for long reading sessions and taking in the natural surroundings

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the villa offers a peaceful atmosphere for reading, thinking, and retreating into the world of books

a vibrant Bakhtiari rug adds warmth and texture to the villa’s minimalist interior design

the Book-Nook Villa creates a space for reflection and escape within a natural landscape

diagram

plan

section A-A

wall section

project info:

name: The Book-Nook Villa

architect: Ayeneh Office | @ayenehoffice

design team: Ali Soltani, Atefeh Karbasi, Behnam Emami, Saba Masoudinejad
client: Mr. Khajavi

area: 90 sqm

location: Damavand, Tehran, Iran

photography: Ali Gorjian | @A_Gorjian

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom