Afshar Residential Building by Ayeneh Office | Tehran, Iran

The Afshar Residential Building, designed by Ayeneh Office, is a modern family residential complex located in the dense urban fabric of Tehran, Iran. Completed in 2022 and covering an area of 1,075 m², this project thoughtfully integrates three individual homes for a multi-generational family while redefining the use of patios, inner courtyards, and vertical circulation in dense urban housing.

Design Concept The clients, a family with children, requested three interconnected residences: a larger home for the parents and two duplex units for their children. The original structure was nearly complete when Ayeneh Office intervened, introducing voids and spatial revisions to enhance the meaning of the patio and create a central common neighborhood space.

The southern alley, narrow and limited in view, led to a key architectural decision: introverted houses with strong connections to the northern yard. This inward-facing orientation ensures privacy while offering abundant natural light from the south and scenic views of the inner courtyard for all interior spaces.

Spatial Organization

• Ground Floor: Parking and lobby areas provide functional accessibility.
• Duplex Units: Two duplexes occupy the lower and mid-levels. Each includes guest rooms, salons, kitchens, bedrooms with private bathrooms, and halls that overlook the inner courtyard. Vertical circulation links all levels while maintaining privacy.
• Parents’ Unit: Located on the top two floors, the unit includes a guest room, salon, kitchen, and three bedrooms, with the main living area overlooking the central yard—a perfect setting for family gatherings.

Architectural Features

• Inner Courtyard: Acts as the focal point for all units, enhancing privacy, natural light, and communal interaction.
• Brick-Mesh Walls: Provide subtle separation between staircases and courtyard spaces, blending texture and warmth.
• Façade Design: The rough gray mesh exterior contrasts with the warm brick interior, highlighting the introverted nature of the homes while maintaining a modern aesthetic.
• Vertical Connections: Staircases and semi-open entrances on each floor ensure smooth movement while enhancing the sense of shared community spaces within the complex.