Ayenevarzan House is the permanent residence of a young couple with a particular cultural and artistic background that differs from the social context of the neighborhood in which the project is located. Initially, this cultural difference and client’s desires and expectations propelled the project to an introverted design; a design that does not consider a building as a separate entity. The project revolves around taking maximum advantage of sunlight and scenic views of Alborz Mountains, as well as all other potentials that attract us from urban life to rural environments

The site is located at the periphery of the village, the furthest point that construction is allowed. This location required an approach that could create a sense of safety for the inhabitants. Based on the measurements of the site, we defined three functional layers for the interior spaces of the house. Two axes in either side of the building created a recessed layer that consists of windows, skylights, and corridors. This strategy minimized the visibility of the interior spaces from the outside and maximized the exposure to daylight and views to the surrounding landscape. The role of these two axes goes beyond providing daylight and view. Horizontally, two axes were defined between the three functional layers of the design. Transparency is the main feature of these axis which made the whole building observable and controllable.

Moreover, the intersection of these axes and interior spaces shaped vertical voids that connect various floors visually, and as a result, enhance the feeling of safety and control. Apart from this visual connection (both vertical and horizontal), the inhabitants can easily cross these axes and move between functional layers. Various elements make this possible in different floors and layers:

– The glass openings between the interior spaces in the ground floor allow access from dining area and reception room to kitchen and vice versa.
– In the first floor, the bridges that connect the balcony to the library and living room, as well as the living room to the bedroom and staircase play a similar role. Connecting inside with outside, these transitional spaces link different functions.
– The staircase located on the entrance axis allows movement between vertical layers. It also facilitates the access to the office on the upper floor without compromising the privacy of the inhabitants.

Two balconies, in two different floors and on two different façades, represent two approaches. The central staircase leads to a balcony on the top floor which is enclosed in three sides and has a spectacular view only to Absard fields, and not surrounding area. It is a gathering space for socializing and holding parties. On the other hand, the balcony on the first floor can be reached after passing the living room and the library. Providing visual connection to other floors, it is roofed with a cantilever in the western façade and is used as an extension to the library.

Ayenevarzan House aims at offering a new perception of the world outside from the interior space of the house. It enhances the visual connection to the surrounding area while adhering to an introverted approach in design. Augmenting the feeling of comfort and security, it offers a solution to the issue of control.

Opening the surface of the building and advancing towards the street while penetrating the interior using cantilevers and different layers, we created a transitional space; a space that could enhance natural lighting and provides spectacular views towards a variety of directions. On this layer, we moved different spaces forwards and backwards to create a semi-private zone for the inhabitants. This strategy set free an untapped potential: now the green sceneries on both sides of the site were as visible as the forest on the opposite side of the building. Extending outward from the façade, this layer is also utterly compelling from the point of view of the pedestrians.

As we enter the building, the immediate turn in the floor plan assures the separation between private and public spaces. Therefore, bedrooms have the least visual connection to other parts of home. Moreover, this turn allows sunlight and views to deeply penetrate the building. It also created a better composition of interwoven spaces centered around the kitchen, without blocking the views to the surrounding landscapes