SFD has been tasked to provide a pre-concept vision masterplan for a resort comprising of resort / hotel accommodations & residential development in an exclusive mountain region at the North Western part of Tehran, captial of Iran. This document sets out our initial approach and thoughts, as well as outlining our design vision. This document represents the study of spaces and experiences and a summary of the base design principles established with the client as well as consultants to develop initial brief and the appropriate design response to pre-concept. Our design goal is to create a haven for tranquillity and detox where one would feel detached from the busy daily life and in connection with nature.
Design criteria:
PLANNING
• An exclusive private resort designed for people to enjoy detox and tranquility in a secluded peaceful setting.
• The main attraction of the resort revolves around the wellness centre which houses a spa and a health clinic.
• The resort functions in two distinct areas: - Residential with community facilities - Hospitality - Health & Wellness Centre and Accommodations
• Providing facilities that allow the residences and guests to enjoy the landscape around such as horse riding and equestrian facilities.
ARCHITECTURE:
• The main consideration of the design is to merge with the landscape and topography of the terrain, at the same time creating a border detaching the resort from the neighbouring town.
• The design of the units being introvert & extrovert creating privacy while enjoying the views that the site offers.
• The design of the villas are semi-hypogean where the lower floor is enclosed and blending with the terrain for privacy, while the upper floor opens up to the views of the mountain.
Persian architecture:
Medieval Iran has witnessed the emergence of some of the most beautiful wonders of Islamic art and architecture. These wonders mostly emerged during the Safavid dynasty, when Isfahan was the capital city of Persia. The Persian architecture from the 1500s to the 1800s, known as the early modern period, featured quite distinct architecture elements like the pointed arches, the sculptural stalactites, known as ‘Muqarnas’, and the bulbous domes with floral decorations. The polychrome tiles of blue, gold, turquoise, and white cover the interiors of mosques and palaces, in the forms of complicated floral and geometric patterns as well as the Arabic calligraphy quoting verses from the Quran.
Terrain features:
The topography of the site ranges from approximately 100-165 meters above sea level. The site is composed of gentle terrain of approx. 3-5% slope. With lowest point in the south and highest point on the northern part of the site. This study of the contours showing the gullies and valley location and how the rain water flows and collects throughout the site which is one of the considerations in determining the best building position and layout.
Masterplan:
In this project we pursue simplicity. We want the individual projected in strict relationship with nature: authentic, true and simple, with the minimum grade of sophistication. To enrich this sense of well-being, a wide range of services and facilities will be available, but still in full discreteness. Limited, educated and yet inclusive, the experience is based on privacy. The individual feels the relationship with nature; enjoys the view, the silence and a sense of openness. These principles have guided us in the design of a sustainable environment, where we did not look for artificial oasis. On the contrary, we have preserved the harsh character of the desertic land. The guest studios are split into 3 typologies, the one bedroom, the two bedroom suite, and the 2 by 2 bedroom suites. the one bedroom form part of the regular hotel room block and the apartment block.
whereas the 2 bedroom studios are individual detatched villas scattered along the land as semi-hypogean units, with the glazings directed towards the mountain. To preserve and emphasize the beauty of the colours in this land, we use the local earth and stones as core material for the buildings. A simple system of pedestrian paths irrorates the whole plot, connecting the villas to the main distribution lanes and the resort facilities. Exposed to the weather and simply built these paths are blending in the landscape, facilitating the distribution without modifying or compromising the nature of the area.
Natural context:
The total area of the site is 64 has. with a strip of 14 has. on the west side which is privately owned land. The river runs along the west side of the site and is dry most year round. There is also an existing water canal running along the south side of the site as well as water wells within the site. Other built elements within the site can be retained such as a pool on the south side of the site. The landscape composition is mostly dry with some areas of greenery. The natural rock formation that is an inherent quality of the terrain can be used as part of the Architectural language. The site is sloping up towards the North with an approx. gradient of 3-5%.
Site views:
The site is in a location that enjoys beautiful mountain views towards the Northern end and an expanse of panoramic views of natural surrounding landscape. The composition of the accommodations on the site is placed strategically in the Northern part to profit from these views, whilst maintaining privacy within the individual units. To the southwest side of the site there is a neighbouring town called Daros Soror, buffer zones in a form of landscaping, trees and structures will be created along that side to provide enclosure and privacy to the resort. The resort & hospitality accommodation is concentrated mainly on the privately owned land and a small area on the South side of the site, whereas the residential zone and natural reserve are located in the Northern side.
Key elements & site access :
A provincial road on the South side connects the site to the freeway that leads to Ziyaran village and Tehran. A main arterial road runs all around the site and defines its boundary. There are two main access points to the site, one from the South side leading to the proposed resort hospitality zone and the other one from the East side leading to the proposed residential zone. An additional service access is at the West side for the hospitality zone. Drop-offs and parking are concentrated at the access points for the hospitality & residential zones. The concept of a car-free resort is encouraged by providing small passageways within the development for pedestrians and buggies.
Facilities:
The main lobby building accommodates the club house with the welcome area and lounge. The resort contains 4 restaurants, 3 for the hospitality zone that are dispersed in the landscape, and one for the residential zone at the highest Northern end of the site. For the hospitality, one restaurant is accessible to the main lobby and hotel accommodation offering a relaxed and contemporary style atmosphere with an outdoor terrace and pool. A second romantic restaurant is located in a separate building fronting the horse-riding ring, for the sports enthusiasts. A third restaurant nestling in the natural reserve for an unforgettable experience.
Equestrian:
The resort gives you the opportunity to have a unique experience of horseback riding in the mountains and the Taleqan lake, creating an extraordinary way of exploring the nature around you and to feel part of it.
Health & wellness centre:
The wellness centre and clinic are the heart of the resort, offering the guests and visitors the opportunity to have a unique and exclusive experience for detox and body healing. It contains a wellness centre and a clinic to help the guests along their journey to wellbeing and enable them to sustain a healthy lifestyle beyond the visit. it is located next to the meditation area to allow direct connection with nature and enhance the experience of tranquility.
Meditationhide-out:
located next to the natural reserve, with individual yoga pavilions dotted around in a secluded area along the lakes. it is a great anti stress getaway and escape from daily life. The retreat opens up to the landscape and adopts a more submissive role toward the outdoor. Direct connection to water, earth and air enhance the power and sense of discovery present within the rural refuge. A site for contemplation An isolated outpost in the wilderness A place to feel part of nature Meditation or renewing your energy.
2 bedroom suite:
Type A is suitable for a single user or couple. It consists of a spacious living room with services with 2 ensuite bedrooms. It is enclosed with a glass façade and opens onto an semihypogean courtyard creating a private, introspective, relaxed space. An outdoor deck with a patio and fire-pit decentralizes the habits and rhythms of life from inside to outside to get more in connection with the surrounding wilderness without see or being seen by anyone.
2 + 2 bedroom suite:
Type B is suitable for families or group of friends. They consists of 2 x 2 studios, with a main living room, services with 2 ensuite bedrooms for each unit. As type A the glass façade and opens onto a semihypogean courtyard.
2 bedroom executive suite:
Type C are for executives and business travellers. It consists of a spacious living room with services, 2 ensuite bedrooms and a private room that can be used as an office or a spare room separate from the 2 bedrooms.
