Iron Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2022
Chahar Gah Villa
by Nima Keivani
- A' Design Award 2022 Iron Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2022
- CLIENT: Keivani Architects
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 16,076
- Verification code DE1CC49ACA · Verify this award
About Chahar Gah Villa
Chahar Gah in Iran, is situated in a territory on the western coast of the Caspian sea, a town called Anzali. A dwelling space wherein tries to invite surrounding environment neatly to inside and communicate eloquently. This building has tried to solve the visual boundaries between inside and outside and communicate with the changing seasons and adapt to it and use the natural process of air circulation for ventilation. At the same time its residents have a new experience of transparency and a free plan with have privacy and cozy places in the same time for better feeling change of seasons.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- A building designed to adapt to climatic conditions and exchange energy. Creates an interactive dialogue from residential veils and environment: seasons and what nature watches over time, and there is no mask between inside and outside, and despite the transparency, it answers the problem of privacy. In addition to the outdoor space and nature around the building, the user also can feel that inside. And while solving energy concerns, discovery and intuition add to the quality of the space.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- Field area 2060 square meters (27 meters of length, 76 meters of Width), total built area 650 square meters, the building maximum Height 14 meters.
- Tags
- Residential Architecture, Chahar Gah, Villa, Iranian House, Minimal Villa, Modern Villa, Iranian Architecture, Green Building, Nima_Keivani, Nima Keivani, Keivani Architects.
- Production Technology
- The building expands from east to west due to the climatic conditions of the region, and the elongated form and chimney of the outer shell are due to better air circulation. This twisting of the roof also prevents air twists. The design of the building is transparent and layered. Sloping outer covering that covers the interior space and interior spaces that are suspended in separate boxes around the hallway and living space. Efforts have been made to create empty spaces at the common border between inside and outside the building; intermediate space to create visual boundaries, the play of light and shadow in the interior.
- Design Challenge
- Designing a building with contemporary architecture while responding to traditional and climate issues and energy sustainability and at the same time making the most of the surrounding landscape has been one of the most important challenges of the work. Having simultaneous response for fresh air and optimizing energy consumption, transparency and privacy, creating spaces for social interactions and personal space, interacting with nature with a biophilic approach, and shaping the form according to the prevailing winds of the mountains and the Caspian Sea The most important challenges that answered in this design.
- Project Duration
- The building was designed in March 2019 in Tehran/Iran and the construction works are starting in February 2021 in Anzali/Gilan/Iran.
- Operation Flow
- A building that tries to frame the surroundings with large insulated windows in a neat way and its inhabitants communicate well with nature, and this improves light and heat control, and a large amount of ventilation is controlled and performed naturally.
The arrangement of cubic volumes inside the outer volume so that they differ in height creates diversity in the space organization;
At the same time, these boxes preserve the privacy and independence of its inhabitants, and it is possible to be inside or on them, and by placing the space of family activities and services in the open middle space, it focuses on human sociality. - Research
- The main studies on the climate and indigenous architecture of the region have been done in a library and field, and along with it, the ways that have the best results in terms of sustainability and optimization of energy consumption have been studied. The final result was the sum of studies with statistical data and output graphs of energy software. This region has a temperate climate and is influenced by the Caspian Sea and the Alborz Mountains and has a lot of rainfall. As a result, natural ventilation and rain control are one of the most important issues in this climate.
- Inspiration
- The traditional architecture of the region is extroverted; Nature embraces architecture and due to the beautiful scenery around and the beach in front of the site, the main idea of the building was formed with suspended spaces with maximum view and transparency; Suspended spaces can help maximize the view and excitement of the space. The outer shell is inspired by the traditional roofs of the area, which, like them, are built on the main spaces. with its wide openings, we can watch nature.
- Image Credits
- Image #1: by Keivani Architects, main facade, 2019. Image #2: by Keivani Architects, South facade, 2019. Image #3: by Keivani Architects, East Facade, 2018. Image #4: by Keivani Architects, Interior space, 2019. Image #5: by Keivani Architects, Interior space, 2019.
Video: by Nima Keivani, Animation - Patents
- Copyrights belong to Keivani Architects, 2019
Colors of Chahar Gah Villa
Design Interview about Chahar Gah Villa
The traditional architecture of the region is extroverted; Nature embraces architecture and due to the beautiful scenery around and the beach in front of the site, the main idea of the building was formed with suspended spaces with maximum view and transparency; Suspended spaces can help maximize the view and excitement of the space. The outer shell is inspired by the traditional roofs of the area, which, like them, are built on the main spaces. with its wide openings, we can watch nature.
Chahar Gah villa is designed to adapt to climatic conditions and exchange energy. Chahar Gah Creates an interactive dialogue from residential veils and environment, seasons and what nature watches over time. there is no mask between inside and outside, and despite the transparency, it answers the problem of privacy. In addition to the outdoor space and nature around the building, the user also can feel that inside. And while solving energy concerns, discovery and intuition add to the quality of the space.
This villa has been sold out. therefore, the future plan is out of designer's hand.
About 2-3 months.
It was commissioned by a client.
Chahar Gah villa has been sold out .
In 2016 we designed a building which could be transformable as the nature itself. This conceptual framework expects the building to transform with the change of seasons and ecological alterations and eventually adopts itself with the surrounding environment. The transformable house impressively appeared in international events and awards. years later we were asked to design a villa in a region of Iran which was climatically similar to the climatic context of the Transformable house. Therefore , we decided to expand the Transformable house idea into a new villa and design another project in harmony with nature.
The Latvia villa ,another design by me and our team.
The Arsess Group.
The design of the building is transparent and layered. Sloping outer covering that covers the interior space and interior spaces that are suspended in separate boxes around the hallway and living space. Efforts have been made to create empty spaces at the common border between inside and outside the building; intermediate space to create visual boundaries, the play of light and shadow in the interior.
According to the idea of the design, which was compatibility with four seasons of the year, the project has named Chahar Gah.
In the ancient Persian language , Gah means season and Chahar means four seasons.
In the ancient Persian language , Gah means season and Chahar means four seasons.
Hand sketch , 3D modelling and rendering programs (3D max, Revit, Lumion, Autocad)
Due to the beautiful scenery around and the beach in front of the site.
Structure engineers and the electrical and mechanical installation consultants.
The building expands from east to west due to the climatic conditions of the region, and the elongated form and chimney of the outer shell are due to better air circulation. This twisting of the roof also prevents air twists.
The main studies on the climate and indigenous architecture of the region have been done in a library and field, and along with it, the ways that have the best results in terms of sustainability and optimization of energy consumption have been studied. The final result was the sum of studies with statistical data and output graphs of energy software. This region has a temperate climate and is influenced by the Caspian Sea and the Alborz Mountains and has a lot of rainfall. As a result, natural ventilation and rain control are one of the most important issues in this climate.
Designing a building with contemporary architecture while responding to traditional and climate issues and energy sustainability and at the same time making the most of the surrounding landscape has been one of the most important challenges of the work. Having simultaneous response for fresh air and optimizing energy consumption, transparency and privacy, creating spaces for social interactions and personal space, interacting with nature with a biophilic approach, and shaping the form according to the prevailing winds of the mountains and the Caspian Sea The most important challenges that answered in this design.
I had participated in A design competition before and I find it a well organized competition .So it is a good experience to participate here every time.
Grand Interview about Chahar Gah Villa
Blending traditional Iranian architecture with modern sustainability, we drew from regional elements like sloping roofs for rain control and natural ventilation, reimagining them with contemporary design. Using energy modeling software, we optimized air circulation and lighting while maintaining transparency. This fusion allowed us to honor heritage while achieving eco-efficiency, setting a precedent for integrating cultural identity with green architecture.
The suspended spaces and transparent design were inspired by Anzali’s stunning landscape and traditional extroverted architecture. By framing nature through expansive openings, we created a seamless dialogue between interior and exterior spaces. This design strengthens residents’ connection with the Caspian Sea while ensuring privacy and maximizing light, air, and scenic enjoyment, offering an immersive experience with the environment.
The elongated form and chimney were carefully designed to enhance natural ventilation by aligning with the region’s climatic conditions. The sloping shell ensures rainwater drainage and prevents air turbulence, while the chimney fosters airflow. This balance between functionality and aesthetics optimizes indoor air quality and energy use, exemplifying how thoughtful architecture can harmonize nature and design.
To balance transparency and privacy, we employed suspended cubic volumes within the transparent shell, strategically positioned to provide independent zones. The intermediate spaces, layered facades, and insulated glass foster visual openness while maintaining seclusion. This innovative layout ensures residents enjoy unobstructed views without compromising their sense of security or privacy.
The varying cubic volumes evolved from our desire to merge functional diversity with architectural intrigue. By raising certain spaces, we created distinct yet interconnected zones that enhance privacy, light flow, and spatial dynamics. This configuration enriches daily living by offering versatile environments for communal activities and personal retreat, emphasizing human sociality within the architectural form.
The sloping outer covering draws from traditional roofs, reimagined with modern material and structural efficiency. This element shelters against rain and wind while creating a striking visual identity. It acts as both a symbolic homage to local heritage and a functional feature that supports ventilation, temperature regulation, and energy efficiency, making it integral to the villa’s design.
To embrace Anzali’s coastal environment, we designed biophilic spaces with large openings, suspended volumes, and natural ventilation. Seasonal adaptability was key, allowing residents to experience nature while sheltered from rain or wind. The interplay of light, air, and views creates spaces that respond to seasonal changes, enriching the living experience with harmony and sustainability.
Natural light was integral to shaping intermediate spaces, creating dynamic interactions between light and shadow. The transparent layers and sloping roof guide daylight into transitional zones, enhancing spatial depth and ambiance. This approach enriches the architectural experience, connecting residents with the natural rhythms of the environment while reducing reliance on artificial lighting.
Chahar Gah Villa’s passive systems use its elongated form, sloping roof, and natural ventilation to enhance energy efficiency. The shell’s chimney and openings regulate airflow, while thermal insulation minimizes energy loss. These elements collectively optimize heating, cooling, and lighting, reducing energy demands year-round while maintaining comfort and environmental harmony.
The suspended volumes and open spaces facilitate interaction and retreat by integrating family and private zones into a cohesive layout. The central open area fosters social activities, while elevated cubes offer solitude. This balance supports both community and individual needs, ensuring a dynamic living environment that adapts to diverse lifestyles and interactions.