Qom Meteorological Research Center: Sustainable Architecture in Hot and Dry Climates

Located in Qom, Iran, the Qom Meteorological Research Center by Eade Va Ejra is a cutting-edge project emphasizing energy efficiency, sustainability, and climate-responsive design. Spanning 2,700 m² and completed in 2022, this research facility demonstrates how thoughtful architectural strategies can drastically reduce energy consumption in hot, arid regions. Photographs by Deed Studio capture the project’s innovative balance of form, function, and environmental responsibility.

Sustainable Design for Energy Efficiency

With global energy consumption steadily increasing and fossil fuels remaining the dominant energy source, sustainable design has never been more critical. In Iran, nearly 98% of energy is derived from fossil fuels, highlighting the need for energy-conscious architecture. The Qom Meteorological Research Center addresses this challenge by incorporating passive design strategies, maximizing natural light, and minimizing reliance on mechanical heating and cooling systems.

The design employs cost-effective solutions to create a green and environmentally friendly building, demonstrating that sustainability does not require complex or expensive interventions. By reducing energy consumption related to electrical systems and mechanical installations, the project exemplifies how architecture can respond to both climate and research needs.

Climate-Responsive Architectural Strategies

Situated in a hot and dry climate, the building’s orientation, 25 degrees to the northeast, reflects traditional Iranian architectural wisdom. Terraces and vertical panels control solar heat gain, ensuring thermal comfort and visual comfort for occupants. These features also allow for easy implementation and repeatability, making the approach adaptable to other projects in similar climates.

The design was influenced by several site-specific factors:

• Limited vegetation and shading opportunities due to the weather platform.
• Morphology of surrounding buildings.
• Presence of an air-raid base on-site, influencing the decision for horizontal stacking.

By addressing these constraints, the architects were able to reduce annual energy consumption by 36%, while maintaining ample natural light and creating a comfortable working environment.

Functional and Flexible Interior Spaces

The building plan emphasizes spatial diversity, connecting rooms through a combination of semi-open and enclosed spaces. Multiple access points enhance flexibility, with separate entrances on the south and north sides leading to a central core and a suspended staircase, providing fluid circulation and user convenience.

This careful organization not only supports the functional requirements of a meteorological research facility but also enhances the quality of the interior environment, fostering a sense of openness and interaction among users.

Integrating Tradition with Innovation

The Qom Meteorological Research Center seamlessly merges traditional Iranian architectural principles with modern sustainable strategies, creating a building that is environmentally responsible, energy-efficient, and user-centered. Its design demonstrates how architecture in arid climates can reduce energy demands while promoting comfort, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal.

All photographs are works of  Deed Studio