Modern Residential Architecture in Tehran: Sayeh Residential Building by Ali Haghighi Architects

The Sayeh Residential Building, designed by Ali Haghighi Architects, is a striking example of modern residential architecture in Tehran. This project showcases a transition from a neoclassical structure to a contemporary design, reflecting the evolving architectural landscape of Iran's capital.

Project Overview

Client's Vision and Project Scope

Originally designed with a neoclassical structure, the project was re-envisioned to embrace a modern aesthetic at the client's request. The building comprises five residential units, each occupying 330 square meters per floor, a ground-floor unit near the lobby, and three underground floors. The common areas include a sports space and a communal area with a movable roof adjacent to the roof garden.

Design Challenges and Solutions

Structural Constraints

The existing structure imposed several restrictions, including fixed columns, low floor heights, and a 45° bevel on the facade. Despite these limitations, the redesign aimed to achieve a better spatial order and a modern facade that stands out in Tehran's diverse urban landscape.

Facade Design

Simplicity and Aesthetics

In a cityscape marked by a variety of colors, materials, and redundant details, the design team focused on simplicity. The facade design adheres to principles of aesthetics such as proportions, scale, rhythm, and balance of vertical and horizontal lines. This approach creates a static yet dynamic composition that enhances the building's visual appeal.

Innovative Use of Materials

The facade features polished carved stone ingots that serve as vertical louvers with a trapezoidal cross-section. These elements not only provide partial enclosure for private spaces like guest rooms and terraces but also reflect sunlight, enhancing both privacy and light management.

Interior Design and Functionality

Spatial Organization

The interior design focuses on creating harmonious and functional living spaces. The extension of stone ingots into the interior spaces, combined with vertical mirrors, creates a play of light, shadow, and reflection. This design choice deepens the facade and adds a poetic perception to the interior spaces.

Light and Privacy

The facade design addresses the need for both light and privacy. The eastern-facing section is compact to prevent direct views, while the southern-facing section opens up to provide connectivity with the city. Fixed stone elements create a boundary that balances light and privacy without relying on common solutions like movable screens.

Environmental and Aesthetic Impact

Shadows and Reflections

The arrangement of the carved stone ingots creates various shadows and half-shadows throughout the day. Their polished surfaces reflect sunlight inside, enhancing the natural lighting and contributing to the building's energy efficiency.

Integration with Urban Context

The Sayeh Residential Building integrates seamlessly into Tehran's urban fabric while standing out due to its modern design. The building's simplicity and elegance offer a fresh perspective on residential architecture in the city.

The Sayeh Residential Building by Ali Haghighi Architects exemplifies modern residential architecture in Tehran. Through innovative design solutions and a commitment to aesthetics and functionality, the project redefines urban living in Iran's capital. This transformation from a neoclassical to a contemporary structure showcases the dynamic evolution of Tehran's architectural landscape.

All photographs are work of Deed Studio – Ali Haghighi