Villa Number 75 by 3rd Skin Architects: Sculpting Space Through Subtraction and Transparency

Located in the heart of Tehran, Iran, Villa Number 75 by 3rd Skin Architects is a striking 1200-square-meter private residence that redefines architectural perception through spatial subtraction, transparent voids, and contextual harmony. Completed in 2020, the villa is not simply a structure—it is a sequence of spatial experiences formed by the interplay of light, shadow, and materiality.

Architectural Concept: From Mass to Void

At the core of the design philosophy is the subtraction of solid volumes. The architectural form is not defined by its mass, but rather by the voids carved into it—creating moments of lightness, openness, and permeability. These voids are not incidental but intentional: they articulate entrances, balconies, courtyards, and vertical connections, anchoring the spatial narrative around transparency rather than enclosure.

Through this method of additive-subtractive spatial formation, the architects crafted an immersive sensory journey. Voids act as transitional spaces that blur boundaries between interior and exterior, public and private. Each carved-out space aligns with natural light, wind movement, and seasonal changes, bringing nature into direct dialogue with the living environment.

Spatial Composition: Multilevel Porosity

The spatial layout is strategically designed to maximize functional flexibility and visual connectivity. Multiple levels are connected through open voids and vertical frames that allow light to penetrate deeply into the building's core. Skylights and staggered openings encourage a layered visual experience, creating an architecture that evolves from one moment to the next.

On the ground floor, key communal functions—including the dining area, living hall, and guest suites—are positioned within the eastern wing. Meanwhile, sport and recreational zones occupy the western wing. The upper level houses four bedrooms, each oriented east-to-west and connected to the lower volumes through two distinct vertical circulation routes.

Materiality and Environment: Framing Nature

The villa's material palette is raw yet refined, with gabion walls, aluminum systems, and custom lighting solutions that emphasize texture, shadow, and interplay with natural elements. The North-South orientation of the site informed the massing and facade treatment, allowing for optimal light capture while preserving existing trees on the property.

Deep terraces and cantilevered ceilings act as shading devices, framing the sky while mitigating harsh sunlight—enhancing both environmental performance and aesthetic delight. The combination of framed views, light-drenched voids, and textured surfaces fosters an ongoing connection to the outdoors.

Arrival Sequence and Integration

Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by a carefully choreographed entry sequence. Gabion wall structures frame not just the villa’s entrance, but also auxiliary volumes like the caretaker’s residence, open-air kitchen, and covered parking. These architectural gestures create a harmonious transition from the landscape to the built form, seamlessly integrating the villa into its site.