HOUSE NO. 47 (KAKH)

3rd Place, Individual Dwellings — 14th Memar Award

House No. 47 was designed on a 120-square-meter plot (dimensions 5.90 by 20.55 meters) for a young couple with a teenage child in 2010. Given the narrow width of the land and the project dimensions, the client initially wanted to exchange the plot for an apartment unit under construction, believing the land lacked the potential to meet their needs. Therefore, one of the project's challenges was creating quality residential space on a narrow, elongated plot that receives light only from the south.

The plot's location at the end of a cul-de-sac, adjacent to low-quality buildings whose views dominated most floors, presented another design challenge: what would be seen from outside and what from within? The outer skin was therefore shaped not only in interaction with and respect for two neighboring buildings — one projecting further than the other — but also served to filter unpleasant views toward the inhomogeneous neighboring structures. On lower floors, openings provide adequate light while limiting views to the project's own courtyard, and on upper floors, they afford views of Isfahan's Soffeh Mountain.

The main living spaces — living room, kitchen, and parents' bedroom — are positioned in the southern section, enabling greater light exposure while controlling overlooking views. A long, low window in the living area eliminates unpleasant views while utilizing the void beneath the duplex parents' bedroom staircase, allowing sunlight and sky views without interference from surrounding buildings.

The house is designed across five levels so that floors flow continuously, answering the client's need for spaces that appear larger. The staircase divides the house into two parts: the southern section with five ceilings and the northern section with three ceilings, offering different spatial experiences according to function.