White Trio House Office and Store by White on White Studio | Innovative Mixed-Use Architecture in Kashan, Iran

Located in the historic city of Kashan, Iran, the White Trio House Office and Store by White on White Studio is a masterful example of adaptive urban architecture that harmonizes commercial, residential, and office spaces within a limited footprint of 240 m². Designed by lead architects Ruhollah Rasooli and Faezeh Arefnazari, this 2022 project revitalizes a site known for its connection to renowned Iranian poet Sohrab Sepehri, balancing respect for cultural heritage with pragmatic, profitable design solutions.

Project Context & Challenges

The site lies on a main street in Kashan, an area that once served as Sepehri’s short-term residence. Over time, the original building had been altered with multiple, disconnected uses aimed primarily at profit without spatial or architectural coherence. White on White Studio’s challenge was to create a clear separation between the mixed uses — residential, office, and commercial — while maximizing spatial functionality and respecting local building regulations, such as the street widening ordinance that limited demolition on the western side.

Functional Zoning and Access Strategy

The architects tackled this by distinctly separating access routes: the commercial space is accessed directly from the bustling main street, while residential and office entrances are positioned on the quieter side street. This zoning ensures operational independence and privacy for all users. The ground floor integrates a welcoming café, reinforcing the connection between the urban environment and the project’s courtyard, inviting visitors into a seamless blend of indoor and outdoor spaces.

Architectural Design & Spatial Solutions

The open courtyard is a vital urban design element that encourages pedestrian flow into the commercial space while creating a light-filled, inviting atmosphere. In the basement, where program requirements were flexible, the main focus was on ensuring adequate light and ventilation. This was ingeniously resolved through a sunken courtyard capped with a delicate trillium-drop ceiling, maximizing daylight penetration and visual interest.

On the first floor, the design pays homage to Sohrab Sepehri with a minimalist wall installation intended to engage visitors thoughtfully, linking the site’s rich cultural legacy with its modern function. In response to local building codes, the residential bedroom was designed without traditional external windows but instead features a dynamic ceiling opening. This skylight casts shadows of rooftop plants across the room, evoking Sepehri’s visual art and poetry that explored natural light and shadow interplay.

Minimalist Details and Material Harmony

The project employs minimalist structural details and cost-effective materials to create a unified architectural expression. The consistent use of white surfaces both inside and out, along with clean lines and subtle textural contrasts, fosters a serene, cohesive environment. This approach not only aligns with the project's name but also reflects a contemporary Iranian aesthetic rooted in simplicity and elegance.

Summary

White Trio House Office and Store demonstrates how thoughtful architecture can transform an urban site with historical significance into a multifunctional, profitable, and culturally resonant space. Its clever access planning, integration of natural light, and minimalist design principles create a balanced environment for living, working, and commerce in the heart of Kashan.

All the photographs are works of Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh