Building No. 2, Dowlat Street

Building No. 2 on Dowlat Street in Tehran won Second Place in the Residential Buildings category at the 8th Memar Award (2008). Designed by Arsh Design Group — Alireza Sherafati, Rambod Ilkhani, and Pantea Eslaemi — this narrow infill project on a tight urban lot transforms the constraints of a typical Tehran residential plot into architectural virtue. The facade is wrapped in a continuous screen of horizontal wooden louvers that filters light, provides privacy, and creates a warm, textured presence on the street that stands in deliberate contrast to the conventional stone facades of neighboring buildings.

The building's spatial strategy revolves around a central green courtyard at ground level that brings natural light deep into the plan. Trees and vegetation in this light well create a sense of depth and calm at the heart of the residence. The interior spaces feature open-plan living areas with dark wood floors, white kitchen volumes, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame views through the louver screen. A rooftop terrace with wooden decking and planters extends the living space upward, offering views of the Alborz mountains.

International juror Vicente Guallart praised the project as "a residential project with good solutions" noting that "the entry is handled well." Jury member Mahvash Mehrafshan highlighted the stairway, which "creates an attractive view" as it connects the building's levels. The project demonstrates how thoughtful design can negotiate between the demands of urban density and the desire for quality of life in Tehran's residential fabric.