106 Residential Building

The 106 Residential Building is situated in Baghshahr (Mehrshahr), Karaj — a setting characterized by dense vegetation and abundant green space. The ability to receive light from all directions, along with favorable views of the surrounding environment, contributes to a flexible and pleasant interior. The programme includes three residential floors above the ground level, a lobby, parking, and a swimming pool, with municipal regulations requiring a pitched roof. Observing setbacks of 1.5 metres from east and west, 2.5 metres from the north, and 60-percent building coverage from the south, the architects were left with a buildable footprint with a 1:4 elongation. Transverse cuts were introduced within the main mass, establishing an overlap between programme and form. Cutting through the mass proved effective for making the elongated building habitable through the penetration of light and differentiation of domestic spaces. Private spaces — four bedrooms — were positioned in the northern section, the reception hall to the south, and vertical circulation, entrances, kitchen, and private living area in the middle. The tall pine trees surrounding the building offered occasion to cut into the mass at additional points, bringing light and side views into interior spaces. Given the vacant western land and boulevard views, the transverse cuts also prevented an imposing rigid wall on the facade. The 106 Residential Building won Third Place in the Apartment Buildings category at the 19th Memar Award (2019).