This building is situated in Baghshahr (Mehrshahr), Karaj -- a setting characterised by dense vegetation and abundant green space. The ability to receive light from all directions, along with favourable views of the surrounding environment, contributes to a flexible and pleasant interior living space.
The programme includes three residential floors above the ground level, a lobby, parking, and a swimming pool on the ground and basement levels. Municipal regulations in the area require the use of a pitched roof.
Observing setbacks of 1.5 metres from the east and west, 2.5 metres from the north, and a 60-percent building coverage from the south, we were left with a buildable footprint with a 1:4 elongation. We decided to create transverse cuts and introduce voids within the main mass, establishing an overlap between the programme and the form of the project. Cutting through the mass proved an effective solution for making this elongated building habitable through the penetration of light and the differentiation of the various domestic spaces.
On this basis, the private spaces -- four bedrooms -- were positioned in the northern section, while the reception hall was placed to the south. Vertical circulation, unit entrances, the kitchen, and the private living area were located in the middle section. The transverse cuts, realised as skylights and vertical windows, not only defined each of these zones but also provided each with appropriate views and light.
The tall pine trees surrounding the building offered an occasion to cut into the mass at additional points, bringing light and views from the side elevations into the interior spaces. Moreover, given the vacant land to the west and the views from the main boulevard toward this side of the building, the transverse cuts prevented the creation of an imposing, rigid wall on this facade.