Outside In Casa by Seyedjalil Mousavi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award de Bronce in Diseño de Arquitectura, Edificación y Estructuras Competition Category.

BronceArquitectura· 2025

Outside In Casa

by Seyedjalil Mousavi

Client: Moradi Family

A' Design Award de Bronce Winner in Arquitectura Category

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Verified Award Winner

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The Design

About Outside In Casa

Outside In es una vivienda que reinterpreta el tradicional patio iraní para la vida urbana contemporánea. Construida en una parcela de 220 metros cuadrados, la casa de tres plantas se organiza en torno a un cubo central de vidrio rodeado de vegetación, que funciona como espacio de estar durante todo el año. El patio se extiende vertical y horizontalmente, conectando los niveles en una distribución dúplex. La fachada está revestida con piedra de Abbas Abad, los pavimentos son de mármol, las puertas de madera natural y las ventanas con rotura de puente térmico favorecen la eficiencia energética. La distribución mejora la luz natural y la ventilación en una vivienda compacta.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award de Bronce

Outside In Casa ha ganado el A' Design Award de Bronce, un reconocimiento sumamente prestigioso concedido a diseños sobresalientes que se distinguen por su creatividad, ingenio y astucia. Los ganadores de Bronce son artefactos ampliamente hábiles y sorprendentemente creativos que acreditan la vasta experiencia, imaginación e ingeniosidad de sus diseñadores. Se espera que Outside In Casa sea un objeto muy apreciado, admirado y querido, notablemente profesional e innovador. Este diseño ganador del A' Design Award de Bronce incorpora las mejores prácticas del arte, la ciencia, el diseño y la tecnología, y es excelente por su atención al detalle. Outside In Casa satisface espléndidamente las necesidades, toca los deseos, encanta los sentimientos y atrae la curiosidad.

Behind the Design

Press Kit

Credits, team members and technical details provided by the designer.

Unique Properties: The project reimagines the traditional Iranian courtyard in modern architecture, focusing on livability and connection to open spaces. On a 220 sqm plot with urban constraints, the design integrates a central glass cube surrounded by greenery, serving as a year-round living space. The yard extends vertically and horizontally, linking floors and incorporating a duplex layout. This Outside in approach revitalizes the courtyard as a central functional element in compact urban homes.
Dimensions & Packaging: This 23,000 mm deep, 10,000 mm wide, and 14,200 mm high house spans three floors above the ground level. Occupying 230 square meters, 70percent of the space is dedicated to the building's volume, while the remaining area integrates a yard that seamlessly extends throughout the entire project, blending indoor and outdoor spaces harmoniously.
Tags: Architecture, House, MAoffice, Courtyard Revival, Indoor-Outdoor Integration, Livable Courtyard, Outside-In House,
Production Technology: The project features natural and durable materials, blending tradition with modernity. The facade is clad in Abbas Abad Stone, while Marble Stone flooring adds elegance. Natural wood doors provide warmth, and thermal break windows ensure energy efficiency, combining aesthetic appeal with functional sustainability.
Design Challenge: This project redefines the traditional Iranian courtyard as a functional, year-round living space in modern urban homes. Using a central glass cube surrounded by greenery, it blends indoor and outdoor areas while maximizing natural light and ventilation. The design extends the courtyard vertically and horizontally, creating an open, interconnected layout. By reviving the courtyard’s role as a dynamic core, the project merges tradition with contemporary needs, improving functionality, aesthetics, and nature integration in compact urban living.
Research: The research for this project focused on the historical context of houses in Hamedan, Iran, alongside the specific needs of the owners and the site conditions. As the design falls within the architectural category, it prioritized practical and contextual insights over formal academic research, ensuring a tailored and culturally resonant approach.
Inspiration: The design inspiration stems from redefining the traditional Iranian courtyard as a central livable space in modern urban homes. Facing constraints like limited land and urban requirements, the project integrates a central glass cube surrounded by greenery, blending indoor and outdoor spaces. This Outside in approach revitalizes the courtyard, making it a functional, year-round living area while maintaining connection to nature and the sky.
Project Duration: This project spanned nearly two years, commencing in early 2020 and concluding in mid-2022. The design phase began in March 2020, with construction starting in September 2020. The final touches were completed by June 2022, marking the end of a meticulous process that balanced historical inspiration, client needs, and innovative architectural solutions.
Operation Flow: This project operates by redefining the traditional courtyard as a dynamic, multi-functional space. It transforms through a central glass cube surrounded by greenery, connecting indoor and outdoor areas vertically and horizontally. Interaction is enhanced by seamless transitions between floors, courtyards, and living spaces. Key frames include the glass cube, central void, and green walls, which optimize light, ventilation, and year-round usability. By integrating nature and modern design, it achieves better functionality, livability, and energy efficiency, outperforming conventional layouts through its innovative Outside in approach.
Team Members: Seyed Jalil Mousavi
Akam Katoorani
Sepehr Edalati Morafah
Atefe Safakish
Alireza Moradi Meshkin
Image Credits: All design credits for this project belong to MA office, where our team crafted the concept and execution. photographs capturing the essence of the design are credited to the Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh.