With large public commissions in Iran going mostly to international architecture firms and small residential developments being built without consulting architects in order to cut costs, opportunities for young architects are limited. Encouraging the view of design for small lots as a generator of added value rather than a costly liability, ARSH conceived this urban block using innovative construction techniques combined with cheap local materials. The distinctive main frontage is of inexpensive local wood, rarely used for facades in Tehran. The side elevation, usually left blank on such plots, is punctuated by glass bricks. The inhabitable space has been maximised for the site.

Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture