Vault on Vault Villa by KRDS: Innovative Iranian Architecture by the Caspian Sea

Vault on Vault Villa, designed by KRDS Architects, is a 440 m² contemporary residence located at the edge of a villa township in Royan, Iran, overlooking the Caspian Sea. Completed in 2023, this villa harmoniously blends traditional Iranian vault architecture with modern structural techniques, offering a unique architectural dialogue between heritage and innovation.

The primary design objective of Vault on Vault Villa was twofold: to explore the architectural potential of vaults, a historic element prevalent in Iranian architecture, and to achieve an environmentally responsive design suited to the northern coastal climate. Ancient Iranian architects mastered the art of vaults and domes, particularly double-shell domes, and KRDS reinterprets these techniques through modern materials such as steel, concrete, and cement, combined with precise engineering.

The villa’s distinctive composition features rotated and stacked vaults, where each upper arch is supported by the lower arch, creating a new typology of structural arches. The load distribution system innovatively transfers weight from the top vault to lower poles and walls, enabled by steel beams, a technique impossible in traditional masonry vaults. This structural clarity not only enhances durability but also elevates the design aesthetically, making the construction visually legible and architecturally expressive.

Vault on Vault Villa also demonstrates a deep understanding of passive environmental strategies. The building is oriented north-south to optimize daylight and natural ventilation, with breezes flowing from the sea to naturally cool the interior. East and west façades are minimized to reduce heat gain, while the interplay of sun and shadow over the vaults creates temperature gradients that promote air circulation. The combination of a mansard roof system and cement base walls ensures resilience against the region’s heavy rainfall while remaining visually integrated with local building traditions.

Inside, the villa balances openness and intimacy. Vaulted ceilings define communal spaces such as the dining and living areas, creating expansive volumes. Materials like steel, concrete, and natural finishes emphasize textural contrast while maintaining thermal comfort. Large windows frame views of the Caspian coastline, connecting the interior with the surrounding landscape. Modern kitchen and dining layouts are embedded within vaulted volumes, combining functionality with spatial drama.

Vault on Vault Villa is an exceptional example of how modern Iranian residential architecture can reinterpret heritage forms using contemporary materials and climate-responsive design strategies. The project demonstrates that innovation in architecture can coexist with historical typologies while creating a new visual and structural language for future projects.

All photographs are works of  Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh