Outside In Huis by Seyedjalil Mousavi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award in Brons in Architectuur, Gebouwen en Constructieontwerp Competition Category.

BronsArchitectuur· 2025

Outside In Huis

by Seyedjalil Mousavi

Client: Moradi Family

A' Design Award in Brons Winner in Architectuur Category

9,610

Verified Award Winner

Verify Award Status for #171962

Visit Site View at A' Design Award Press Release Award Badge

Colors

The Design

About Outside In Huis

Outside In is een huis dat de traditionele Iraanse binnenplaats herinterpreteert voor het moderne stedelijke wonen. Gebouwd op een perceel van 220 vierkante meter, is het huis met drie verdiepingen georganiseerd rond een centrale glazen kubus omgeven door beplanting, die het hele jaar door dienstdoet als leefruimte. De binnenplaats strekt zich verticaal en horizontaal uit en verbindt de verdiepingen in een duplexindeling. De gevel is bekleed met Abbas Abad-steen, de vloeren zijn van marmer, de deuren zijn van massief hout, en ramen met thermische onderbreking dragen bij aan energie-efficiëntie. De indeling verbetert het daglicht en de ventilatie in een compact huis.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award in Brons

Outside In Huis is winnaar van de A' Design Award in Brons, een hoogst prestigieuze erkenning die wordt toegekend aan uitstekende ontwerpen die zich onderscheiden door creativiteit, vindingrijkheid en scherpzinnigheid. Winnaars in Brons zijn ruimschoots vaardige en opvallend creatieve artefacten die de grote ervaring, verbeelding en het vernuft van hun ontwerpers bevestigen. Outside In Huis wordt verwacht een hooggewaardeerd, bewonderd en gekoesterd object te zijn dat opmerkelijk professioneel en innovatief is. Dit ontwerp dat de A' Design Award in Brons heeft gewonnen, verwerkt de beste praktijken in kunst, wetenschap, ontwerp en technologie en is uitstekend door zijn aandacht voor detail. Outside In Huis bevredigt schitterend behoeften, raakt verlangens, charmeert gevoelens en spreekt de nieuwsgierigheid aan.

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.