Outside In Imah by Seyedjalil Mousavi is a highly esteemed winner of the very prestigious 2025 A' Design Award Perunggu in Arsitéktur Competition Category.

PerungguArsitéktur· 2025

Outside In Imah

by Seyedjalil Mousavi

Client: Moradi Family

A' Design Award Perunggu Winner in Arsitéktur Category

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Verified Award Winner

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Colors

The Design

About Outside In Imah

Outside In nyaéta hiji imah anu napsirkeun deui halaman tradisional Iran pikeun kahirupan urban modéren. Diwangun di luhur lahan 220 méter pasagi, imah tilu lantai ieu diatur ngurilingan kubus kaca sentral anu dikurilingan ku tutuwuhan, anu ngawula salaku rohangan hirup sapanjang taun. Halaman téh ngalegaan sacara vertikal jeung horizontal, ngahijikeun lantai-lantai dina tatanan duplex. Fasadna dilapis ku batu Abbas Abad, lantaina marmer, panto-pantona kayu alami, sarta jandéla thermal break ngarojong efisiensi énergi. Tatananana ningkatkeun cahaya poé jeung ventilasi dina imah anu kompak.

The Recognition

About the A' Design Award Perunggu

Outside In Imah mangrupa juara A' Design Award Perunggu, pangakuan anu pohara bergengsi anu dipasihkeun ka desain unggul anu dicirikeun ku kréativitas, kacerdikan jeung kawaspadaan. Para juara Perunggu téh artéfak anu lobaan kaahlian jeung kréatif pisan anu ngabuktikeun pangalaman anu lega, imajinasi jeung kacerdasan para désainerna. Outside In Imah diharepkeun jadi objék anu dihargaan, dikagumi jeung dipikanyaah anu profésional jeung inovatif. Desain juara A' Design Award Perunggu ieu ngalebetkeun prakték pangalusna dina seni, élmu, desain jeung téknologi, sarta unggul dina perhatian kana détail. Outside In Imah minuhan kabutuhan kalayan éndah, nyentuh kahayang, nyenangkeun rasa, jeung narik rasa panasaran.

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.