Located within the dense urban fabric of Tehran, the project reinterprets one of the most significant spatial elements of traditional Iranian houses: the courtyard. Rather than recreating a conventional courtyard, the design explores how its social and environmental qualities can be translated into contemporary apartment living.

The project begins by redefining the terrace as an inhabitable intermediate space between inside and outside. Instead of remaining attached to the building envelope, this transitional space is drawn into the heart of each apartment, creating a contemporary interpretation of the traditional courtyard. Around this central space, the living room and kitchen—the most active spaces of the home—are organized to encourage everyday interaction while maintaining a constant visual and spatial connection with nature, daylight, and fresh air.

To respond to the diverse lifestyles of the residents while avoiding a repetitive building envelope, the terraces shift from floor to floor. This movement generates unique apartment layouts for each level and creates a dynamic façade that reflects the changing spatial organization behind it.

The five-story residential building is organized with a clear spatial hierarchy. Public living areas are positioned along the southern façade to maximize natural daylight and benefit from favorable solar exposure. The more private functions are located on the northern side, where a central patio introduces daylight and natural ventilation. Vertical circulation is placed between these two zones, establishing an efficient organizational spine that connects all levels.

Brick was selected as the primary façade material because of its long-standing relationship with Tehran's hot and dry climate and its deep roots in Iranian architecture. The façade reinterprets the traditional Fakhr-o-Madin brickwork technique in a contemporary language. By carefully arranging the bricks to create a porous outer skin, the façade filters daylight, preserves privacy, and produces a constantly changing play of light and shadow throughout the interior. Suspended in front of the glazed envelope, this brick screen acts as both an environmental filter and an architectural identity, connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary residential design.