Seyedjalil Mousavi · CLIENT: Moradi Family
Outside In is a house that reinterprets the traditional Iranian courtyard for modern urban living. Built on a plot of 220 square meters, the three floor home is organized around a central glass cube surrounded by planting, which serves as a living space through the year. The courtyard extends vertically and horizontally, linking the floors in a duplex layout. The facade is clad in Abbas Abad stone, the flooring is marble, the doors are natural wood, and thermal break windows support energy efficiency. The layout improves daylight and ventilation in a compact house.
Press Kit
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
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