The White Renovation Office Building by Olgooco: Sustainable Office Building Renovation in Tehran

Located in the bustling office district of Tehran, Iran, The White Renovation Office Building is a masterful example of sustainable architecture and adaptive reuse by the innovative design team at Olgooco. Completed in 2022, this project transformed a 35-year-old concrete office building into a modern, efficient workspace spanning 3,000 square meters — all while minimizing construction waste and preserving the existing urban fabric.

Architectural Concept: Preserving History Behind a White Veil

Nestled between dense urban facades along one of Tehran’s busiest streets, the original structure faced challenges typical of aging office buildings in crowded city centers. Instead of opting for demolition, which would produce significant environmental impact through waste and emissions, Olgooco chose to renovate and rejuvenate the existing building. The design wraps the structure in a sleek white façade, or "white veil," that masks the aged concrete frame while highlighting the contrast between the old and new. This façade acts as a modern protective shell that revitalizes the building’s identity and presence in the cityscape.

Innovative Structural “Weight Loss” Strategy

Due to limitations, the new owners could not acquire the adjacent bank building, which initially limited expansion possibilities. To address structural concerns and improve the building's functionality, a weight loss renovation strategy was implemented. This innovative approach reduced loads on the original concrete frame without adding bulky new materials, effectively extending the building’s lifespan and avoiding unnecessary demolition. The project thus became a pioneering example of reducing construction and demolition waste, aligning with global efforts to make urban development more sustainable.

Dynamic Double-Shell Façade with Thermal Efficiency

Inside, the building’s design prioritizes user comfort and environmental performance. Recognizing that external views are constrained by the increasingly dense surroundings, the architects introduced a second mobile perforated aluminum shell along the interior side of the façade. This dynamic layer serves multiple functions:

• It replaces traditional curtains by controlling light and privacy.
• It reduces thermal loads on the building, enhancing energy efficiency.
• It allows for window cleaning from the corridor located between the two shells.
• It transforms visually throughout the day — opaque and protective by day, semi-transparent and luminous by night, creating a striking architectural lightscape.

The corridor between these shells, adorned with lush bamboo plants, forms a unique micro courtyard that brings nature indoors, improving office ambience and air quality.

Urban Silence in the Bustling Cityscape

The building’s external façade acts as an “urban gap” — a deliberate silent pause within Tehran’s otherwise chaotic architectural environment. This contrast creates a subtle, contemplative space amid the city’s busy rhythm, inviting reflection on the importance of mindful urban design.

Environmental Impact: Waste Reduction & Sustainable Renovation

According to a 2018 Environmental Protection Agency report, construction waste globally accounts for twice the volume of municipal waste, highlighting the critical need for sustainable renovation practices. By preserving the concrete skeleton and avoiding full demolition, The White Renovation Office Building significantly reduces carbon footprint and construction debris, setting an example for future urban projects in Tehran and beyond.

Interior Design: A Dialogue Between Past and Present

Inside, the renovation reveals a poetic interplay between historic concrete structures and contemporary white interventions. The minimalist white surfaces and furniture contrast with the raw textures of the original framework, symbolizing the passage of time and architectural evolution.

Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems are artfully integrated into the design as three-dimensional elements that trace and reinterpret the old building’s skeleton. These new lines shape the ceilings and merge seamlessly with interior furniture, creating a harmonious blend of form and function.

All Photographs are works of Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh; Parham Taghioff