Ersie カフェ＆レストラン by Ali Moazzen is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award 銅賞 in 文化遺産・文化産業デザイン Competition Category.

銅文化遺産· 2025

Ersie カフェ＆レストラン

by Ali Moazzen

Client: Ersie Mansion

A' Design Award 銅賞 Winner in 文化遺産 Category

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Verified Award Winner

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View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Ersie カフェ＆レストラン

エルシーは、歴史的なガージャール朝時代のヴィラを、その建築的アイデンティティを保ちながら現代的なカフェ＆レストランへと転用・再生したプロジェクトです。オリジナルのオルシ窓、木製扉、装飾的な漆喰細工、そして組積造の壁は丁寧に修復され、構造補強や近代的な建築設備は最小限の介入で統合されました。このデザインは隠されていた歴史的要素を蘇らせ、ヴィラを現代の公共利用に適応させることで、遺産保存と近代的な機能性を両立させ、重要な文化的ランドマークを再生させています。

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award 銅賞

Ersie カフェ＆レストランは、創造性、独創性、鋭い洞察力で際立つ傑出したデザインに授与される、高い権威をもつ評価である A' Design Award 銅賞の受賞作品です。銅賞の受賞作品は、十分に巧みで印象的なほど創造的な工芸品であり、デザイナーの豊富な経験、想像力、機知を裏づけています。Ersie カフェ＆レストランは、高く評価され、称賛され、愛される品であり、顕著にプロフェッショナルで革新的であることが期待されます。この A' Design Award 銅賞を受賞したデザインは、芸術・科学・デザイン・技術のベストプラクティスを取り入れており、細部への配慮に優れています。Ersie カフェ＆レストランは、ニーズを見事に満たし、欲求に触れ、感情を魅了し、好奇心を引きつけます。

Behind the Design

Press Kit

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

Unique Properties: This design revitalizes a Qajar-era villa into a cafe-restaurant, blending historical authenticity with modern functionality. Unique features include restored architectural details, preserved century-old trees, innovative space reuse, and accessibility enhancements like an elevator and Braille menus. A tribute to craftsmanship further merges history with contemporary design.
Dimensions & Packaging: Land Area: 2,200 m²
Built-up Area: 846 m²
Structure: Masonry with steel reinforcement
Installations: Central chiller and boiler system
Original Features: Restored Orsi windows, plaster moldings, and wooden doors
Renovated Spaces: Expanded basement, preserved vestibule, and structural reinforcements for load-bearing walls.
Accessibility: Elevator for disabled access, Braille menus for inclusivity.
Tags: Qajar architecture, adaptive reuse, café-restaurant design, historical restoration, Orsi windows, architectural preservation, sustainable design, inclusive design, masonry reinforcement, heritage revitalization
Production Technology: The project utilized a combination of traditional and modern techniques. Original masonry structures were reinforced with steel frames for stability, while advanced plaster restoration techniques revived intricate moldings. Custom-crafted Orsi windows and restored wooden doors preserved authenticity. Sustainable materials were used for new additions, and modern HVAC systems were integrated into historical spaces. The design followed meticulous site analysis and historical documentation methodologies.
Design Challenge: The biggest challenge of this project was navigating the delicate balance between preserving the villa's historical integrity and adapting it to a modern function. The internal challenge was the discovery of significant alterations made during the Pahlavi era, which obscured the original Qajar architecture. Externally, strict heritage conservation laws and the need for advanced restoration techniques posed obstacles. Overcoming these challenges required innovative approaches to both the design and construction processes while respecting legal and historical constraints.
Research: he research conducted for this renovation focused on the adaptive reuse of historical architecture. The primary objective was to preserve the Qajar-era villa's heritage while adapting it for modern use as a café-restaurant. The methodology involved detailed analysis of architectural documents, structural assessments, and site visits. Tools included archival research, structural simulations, and restoration techniques. The results led to the successful preservation of key historical features, with a significant impact on local cultural tourism and heritage conservation. This project demonstrated the importance of integrating historical preservation with functional modern design, benefiting both society and the design field by promoting sustainable restoration practices.
Inspiration: The inspiration for this project stemmed from a deep respect for historical architecture and a desire to revive a semi-abandoned Qajar-era villa. The unique opportunity to uncover and restore hidden architectural details, combined with the building’s rich narrative and prime location, motivated the design. Extensive research into historical preservation techniques and adaptive reuse strategies ensured a balance between honoring the past and meeting contemporary needs.
Project Duration: The project commenced in 2021 and was completed in 2023, located in the qazvin. The renovation aimed to transform a historically significant Qajar-era villa into a modern café-restaurant while preserving its original architectural essence. The completed design now serves as both a public space and a tribute to the building’s rich heritage, blending traditional elements with contemporary functionality.
Operation Flow: The design seamlessly blends the old with the new, allowing visitors to experience the rich history of the building while enjoying modern amenities. The café-restaurant layout encourages flow, with clear pathways from the entrance to the main dining areas and VIP spaces. The preservation of original walls and structures enhances the atmosphere, while modern installations like the elevator and central cooling system ensure comfort and accessibility, making the space both functional and welcoming for all visitors.
Patents: Copyrights belong to Ali Mozzan, 2024.
Image Credits: Image #1: Photographer Peyman Rajabi, 2024.
Image #2: Photographer Peyman Rajabi, 2024.
Image #3: Photographer Peyman Rajabi, 2024.
Image #4: Photographer Peyman Rajabi, 2024.
Image #5: Photographer Peyman Rajabi, 2024.