A House Facing Mount Derak

Had Architecture Studio (Elnaz Amini, Esmail Ashena, Saeed Sharifi) Location: Shiraz, Iran Date: 2024 Area: 1,500 sqm Status: Completed Client: Amir Moradi, Saman Moradi Interior Design: Elnaz Amini Structure: Ali Abedi MEP Engineering: Mehdi Karami Construction: Esmail Ashena Lighting: Amin Mousavi Photo: Saman Bagheri This project is a residential apartment complex located in the northwest of Shiraz, situated on a site with a full view of the Derak Mountains—an element that has played a pivotal role in shaping its design. The structure is composed of four interlocking cubic volumes, each distinguished by its own unique material, lending it a distinct identity. Additionally, at the site’s boundary, instead of a conventional wall, two carved-out blocks with varying materials and distinct functions have been strategically placed, creating a seamless connection between the alleyway and the courtyard. Just as in the houses of the Zand era—representing the essence of traditional Shirazi homes—the guest quarters maintained a strong visual and spatial connection with the lush courtyard, this project similarly seeks to establish interactive terraces that foster a dynamic and flexible relationship with the mountainous landscape. To achieve this, a system of movable and semi-transparent modular elements has been integrated in front of the terraces, allowing uninterrupted access to the mountain views in all possible configurations: open, semi-open, or fully enclosed. Another key aspect of the project is the placement of the light well in a position that establishes a strong connection with the lush rear courtyard. This curved skylight extends down to the basement, reaching the area designated for the sauna, jacuzzi, and gym. Through this vertical corridor, air circulates naturally throughout the building. Additionally, to ensure privacy, a Fakhr-Madīn brick lattice has been designed in the section of the main bedroom where the bed is located.