Design & Construction: Bonsar Architectural Studio
Design Team: Mohammad Majidi, Hamed Khosravi, Kaveh Rashidzadeh, Majid Maasumi, Mojtaba Samimi
Construction Manager: Rahim Mohammadi
Photography: Afshin Ghaderpanah
Film: Dayereh Studio
Location: Heidar Khani St., 42nd St., Tehran
The present project is the result of renovating an old cotton warehouse, over fifty years old, and converting it into a furniture showroom. The living spirit of the old building inspired the design team, despite having no financial constraints and the possibility of demolition and new construction, to approach the project with a restoration mindset. Beyond physical restoration, keeping alive the memory of the space was regarded as the most important objective in the renovation process.
Facade Concept
What had to be added to the building was added in a contemporary language, and whatever could remain — an element of the space's memory — remained. Recalling the memory of how light entered the dark space of the old hall became the design concept for the new, pierced facade of the showroom.
Construction
The old structure, primarily composed of load-bearing walls, required review, repair, and reinforcement during the change of use. Preventing moisture infiltration into the brick bond beams, replacing and insulating the walls, and other measures prepared the building for its new conditions. All mechanical systems, including radiant heating, cooling, electrical, and others, were added as exposed installations onto the old structure.
