Peyvand Residential Building is located in the Mokhaberat neighborhood, 8th Peyvand Alley, Saadat Abad, Tehran, Iran. The location of this project has several specific features, for example, adjacency to the northern mountains of Tehran, the predominance of residential use and the quietness of the neighborhood, and enjoying proper lighting from the north and south front.
The neighborhood mainly consists of relatively short-rise- houses with brick texture. Therefore, strengthening and developing the inherent identity of the place was the first goal of the design scheme. Peyvand building itself is a modern residential building, which is designed to be the home of three brothers and their families.
At first, both the client and Cedrus believed in creating an efficient building that provides an experience of architectural value to the city and its residents. Therefore, the quality found a special place in terms of design approach finding and the use of materials. Besides, the client also considers the economics of the project. Therefore, relying on the quality aspect, accuracy, and design creativity, the building became an environmentally friendly, safe, and quiet palace, which resulted in residents' satisfaction. Peyvand means bonding in Farsi. Although this name is borrowed from the name of Peyvand Street, the project reflects the interaction of several interconnected layers: the family relations, the bond of the client and designers, the link between Iranian traditional house design and today's lifestyle, etc.
The project accurately reflects the bond between tradition and innovation and results in housing units that can serve as a high-quality model for construction in the area. During the design and construction, we attempted to design the composition of the new building and its surroundings in an attractive, harmonious, humble, and at the same time innovative way.
Functionally, the building is divided into four general sections: four residential units from the first to the fourth floors, a lobby and an event and party space on the ground floor, two floors of the parking lot in the basement, and a vertical connection box. Each of these four parts is slightly different in terms of character and the use of materials. The palette of materials is limited. Brick, as the main material, is one of the traditional and indigenous materials in Iranian architecture and is engraved in their collective memory.
The facade of the building consists of a multi-layered brick texture with a modern composition and large windows. The four-division is also evident in the facade, and the functions behind it are fully legible and clear. The stair box section is the most solid brick pattern and consists of only a narrow perforated rectangle as a curtain for the building's stair windows. The facade at the ground floor level is separated from the rest with the design of a groove-like distance. Thus, it gives the entrance a specific figure. Also, the vegetation behind the entrance brick curtain and the rusted metal sheets make an exceptional character for it. The facade of the residential floors is divided into two parts. First, a semi-transparent perforated part that covers more private spaces. Second, a completely transparent section that fills the living room with light. The windows are designed generously and extend from floor to ceiling.
Materials inside the units are in neutral tones so as not to affect the would-be furniture arrangement of residents so much. The pale khaki brick has been chosen to have more harmony with the urban fabric and to give a sense of freshness to the building. Also, it provides a beautiful combination with the greenness of the pots behind the brick curtain. Bricks are durable and timeless, which will benefit both users and the environment.
For the client, the living room and kitchen comprise the heart of the house due to their lifestyle. Thus, they demanded a direct connection between these two. Unlike many modern residential units, there is no large living room to show off. Accordingly, each unit's interior is tailored to the lifestyle demands of the residents and their relationships.
Four main ideas are evident in the design of the units: paying attention to family relations and designing based on them; using some elements and concepts of traditional Iranian house architecture and linking them to the current lifestyle and regulations; the possibility of using natural light and ventilation; adding greenery to the interiors as much as possible.
Special Effects
The special effects of the Peyvand residential building can be summarized as follows:
- Defining the relations of family members and translating them into architectural spaces in maximum harmony with the demands of the client and architectural standards.
- The minimum ostentation in combination with the surrounding urban fabric.
- Protecting the privacy of residents at different levels.
- Economic design: There was no pressure from the client on the designer to use certain materials or styles of architecture. Therefore, in line with the economic goals of the project, native materials of the highest quality have been used, accompanied by accurate detailed design to create a perfect residence.
