Telar Villa is a contemporary reinterpretation of the vernacular architecture of Gilan; a project that reimagines climate, tradition, and innovation through the lens of contemporary design. The core idea was shaped around the notion that architecture is not merely a shelter but a living ecosystem that operates in full harmony with nature.
In terms of innovation, the design team developed a special stone module used on the façade. Beyond its aesthetic qualities, this module serves a sustainable function: directing rainwater and contributing to its collection and reuse for irrigation. In this way, the façade transforms from a passive skin into an active element serving sustainability.
From a problem-solving perspective, the project directly addresses the climatic challenges of northern Iran. High humidity is mitigated by elevating the building on stilts, creating an undercroft that allows for natural ventilation and auxiliary functions. Moreover, by preserving the existing landscape and reinterpreting native elements such as the Telar—a stilted terrace-like structure—an elevated space is created, offering both views of nature and a place for family leisure during warm seasons.
On a larger scale, Telar Villa acts beyond the boundaries of a single building, functioning as a natural ecosystem. Adjacent to the villa lies a lake designed for fish farming and boating. Elsewhere on the site, a loquat orchard and a rice field have been integrated. Together, these elements establish a complete cycle of sustainable living, offering residents a unique experience of coexistence with the environment.
This project is worthy of recognition because it simultaneously responds to both past and future: preserving local heritage, tackling climatic issues, introducing architectural innovation, and setting a new model for sustainable living. Telar Villa is not just a house but a manifesto on the intelligent coexistence of humanity and nature.