NextOffice Stacks Curved Arches for Central Courtyard Villa in Iran

This article showcases an innovative project by NextOffice, the Central Courtyard Villa in Lavasan, Iran. It describes how the firm has reimagined the traditional Iranian courtyard, transforming it into a dynamic, multi-layered architectural element.

This new approach breathes life into an age-old concept. As an engineer with decades of experience, I find this blend of cultural sensitivity and modern design particularly fascinating.

The Evolution of the Courtyard: A Timeless Design Reimagined

For centuries, the courtyard has been a cornerstone of architectural design in many cultures, especially in regions with harsh climates. It’s a smart solution for managing light, ventilation, and privacy within a home.

Even the most enduring designs need to evolve to meet contemporary needs. NextOffice’s approach to the Central Courtyard Villa is a strong example of this evolution.

A Dynamic Interpretation of Tradition

Instead of treating the courtyard as a static, enclosed space, they’ve stretched it across the home’s entire footprint. This creates a “porous spatial system.”

This is not just a stylistic choice. It is a fundamental rethinking of how internal and external spaces interact.

The design uses the courtyard as a dynamic filter, orchestrating light, movement, and social interaction in new ways.

Blurring Boundaries: Inside, Outside, and Everything In Between

One of the most compelling aspects of this project is its deliberate blurring of the lines between indoor and outdoor environments. This approach reflects a growing desire for transparency and connection with nature, even in urban or semi-urban settings.

Interlocking Volumes and Visual Play

The architects achieved this through the intelligent use of two intersecting L-shaped volumes. These volumes define space and carve out openings that create terraces, voids, and framed views.

Specific elements contribute to this permeability:

• Floor-level pools: These puncture the slab, providing a cooling effect and visually connecting different levels.
• Opposing facades: Designed to open directly onto the courtyard, they ensure constant engagement with the central space.
• Dissolving ceiling: The ceiling opens to the sky, providing varied degrees of enclosure and privacy.

This design balances introversion and extraversion, making the villa adaptable to different social needs and moods.

Engineering Elegance: Structure, Material, and Climate Control

From an engineering perspective, the Central Courtyard Villa impresses with its integration of artistic vision and robust structural choices. It shows that beauty and structural integrity can coexist seamlessly.

The Dialogue Between Old and New

The structural system is a fascinating hybrid. A conventional beam-and-column system provides stability and works with an arched assembly.

This combination references traditional architectural elements. It also allows for the complex, layered forms that define the courtyard.

The choice of brick surfaces nods to local materials. This grounds the design in its cultural context and creates new spatial relationships.

This approach shows what can happen when architects experiment while respecting local heritage.

The integration of water as both a climate moderator and a sensory element is significant. Water features are not just aesthetic; they help cool the space, especially in arid climates.

The sound of moving water can also animate a space.

• Climatic needs: Moderating heat and glare.
• Cultural needs: Preserving privacy within an open design.
• Social needs: Creating flexible spaces for interaction.

 
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