Dayere Design Studio & Emarat e Khorshid

The Lolagar House is the first of six buildings from the Reza Shah period on Noufel Lo Chateau Street. This alley is perhaps the earliest example of intra-urban set-piece development in Tehran: the architect designed six building blocks arranged in matched pairs, and fortunately all six buildings continue their lives today. With restoration and a suitable new use, these buildings could become one of the most singular cultural attractions of Tehran.

Fortunately in 1390 (2011), the north-eastern block — belonging to Mohsen Ataee — was entrusted to us for study, design and construction.

In our studies we identified some functional features as the basis for the design strategies — among them the city's need for small, friendly cultural-recreational spaces in the heart of the old fabric; the building's intrinsic value as one of the first 'set-piece' urban groupings of Tehran; the need for a small, manageable hospitality programme that could co-exist with neighbouring residences; and the structural readings of the original vaulted-brick floors that suggested how additional bracing could be introduced.

The new programme of the building was therefore organised as a gallery, a restaurant and two residential apartments, all sharing the courtyard. Each function takes a different floor or wing so that the cultural, commercial and residential uses do not interfere with one another.

2- For structural strengthening, the original vaulted-brick floors were braced with steel tie-beams of suitable height that, by being placed inside ceiling voids (VBD), do not interfere with the architectural impression of the original ceilings.

3- The mechanical system was renewed entirely with the aim of providing comfortable use both in summer and winter, while respecting the historic envelope: chases and vertical distribution shafts were positioned so as not to scar the masonry walls.