Wall House by EZ Studio: A Modern Interpretation of Persian Architecture in Esfahan

Nestled on a 1,000 m² plot just 24 kilometers northeast of Esfahan, Wall House by EZ Studio is a striking example of contemporary residential architecture that seamlessly blends modern design with Persian architectural traditions. Overlooking the serene Zyandehrood River, this 350 m² duplex was commissioned for a family of four, designed to integrate privacy, connectivity, and a profound sense of place within a historic rural landscape.

The site in Kaaj village is rich with heritage, featuring remnants of an Ilkhanid-era mosque and a ruined residential fortress, inspiring the project’s central theme: a wall that bridges history and contemporary life.

Architectural Concept: The Wall as Connector

At the heart of Wall House lies a central wall, the symbolic and physical spine of the home. Rather than merely dividing space, this wall transforms into a dynamic connector, shaping both public and private zones. It becomes a chronicler of life, capturing stories of love, joy, and introspection, while guiding movement through the home.

The design concept expands traditional ideas of enclosure. The wall is not simply a structural element; it evolves into a spatial organizer, defining thresholds and transitional zones that blur boundaries between rooms and courtyards. Each layer of the wall creates a unique spatial experience, inviting inhabitants to move through interstitial spaces and moments of liminality, turning mundane transitions into reflective journeys.

Spatial Layout and Design Features

Wall House features a thoughtful layout including three master bedrooms, a sunroom, a living area, and climatic courtyards. The architectural layers around the central wall activate interior spaces, with gaps in the wall serving as transitional thresholds. These spaces are neither fully inside nor outside but exist in-between, creating a dynamic interplay between interior and exterior realms.

The home fosters both privacy and social connection. Transitional zones encourage spontaneous interactions and moments of contemplation, while the interplay of walls and open spaces provides a seamless flow between communal and secluded areas.

Persian Influences and Materiality

The house incorporates arched ceilings and courtyard spaces, drawing inspiration from Persian vernacular architecture. These elements enhance natural lighting, cross-ventilation, and spatial fluidity. Externally, the monolithic structure uses earth-toned walls, reflecting the palette of its surrounding landscape and traditional Persian construction methods.

The material selection emphasizes harmony with nature, with textural brickwork, subtle color variations, and warm-toned furnishings creating an interior ambiance that evokes serenity and introspection.

All photographs are works of Ali Gorjian