No.13 Villa by AsNow Design & Construct: A Contemporary Iranian Courtyard Residence Rooted in Tradition

Located in Tehran, Iran, No.13 Villa by AsNow Design & Construct is a striking 500 m² contemporary home designed around the timeless Iranian philosophy of courtyard living. Crafted by lead architects Solmaz Tatari and Ehsan Tavassoli, the villa explores the active relationship between open, semi-open, and enclosed spaces, creating a modern sanctuary inspired by the historic concept of the Narenjestan—a garden-centered architecture that emphasizes harmony between built form and nature.

A Home Designed Around Light, Air, and Microclimate

At the core of No.13 Villa’s design is an intricate arrangement of three exterior courtyards paired with a central interior patio. Together, these voids create a natural microclimate that enhances daylight, ventilation, and spatial comfort throughout the home. Strategically aligned on a north–south axis, the courtyards welcome both warm southern sunlight and refreshing northern views, shaping an immersive experience that shifts throughout the day.

The Green Void: A Living Heart Within the Villa

The central patio acts as the villa’s breathing core—a green void that introduces vertical openness and connects the public and semi-public areas. This transparent sectional quality allows indoor spaces to feel continuously connected to nature, creating a calm and fluid atmosphere.

Design Strategies: Stitching Courtyards and Sculpting Shade

The architects employ two key strategies to enrich both functionality and aesthetics:

1. “Stitching the Courtyards”

Independent outdoor pathways weave between the courtyards, encouraging residents to circulate in the open air. This movement not only energizes the architecture but also reimagines outdoor living as an everyday experience.

2. “Shading as Architecture”

A delicate perforated façade generates soft, layered shadows throughout the day. The skin also acts as a structural framework for climbing plants, reinforcing the villa’s long-term vision: transforming the building into a lush, living green envelope.

A Modern Interpretation of Iranian Tradition

While deeply contemporary in form and materiality, No.13 Villa pays homage to the traditional Iranian Narenjestan, where architecture grows together with nature. The thoughtful integration of greenery, sunlight, shadow, and courtyards ensures that the villa evolves over time, becoming more atmospheric and more connected to its landscape.

Elegant Interiors Framed by Light and Landscape

The interior design—captured beautifully by photographer Navid Atrvash—reveals a refined palette of glass, warm textures, and open views. Spaces such as the kitchen, living areas, and transitional zones remain visually tied to the courtyards, blurring boundaries and elevating everyday living.