The defining property of this modern house for a five-person family is the movement of its interior spaces – in contrast with its simple exterior form. Multiple internal courtyards and semi-open spaces inspired by traditional Iranian housing typologies bring in natural light and fresh air and create a sense of tranquillity. Connectional elements such as stairways are on the east side, to protect main spaces from direct solar radiation. Also on the east, the kitchen has ribbon windows covered by a brick lattice to admit light while limiting solar heat gain. Bricks covering the reinforced-concrete structure are given a contemporary twist by being laid in a vertical pattern. Smart technological features include a moveable inner-yard roof controlled via the client’s cellphone.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture