Collage Apartment

Collage Apartment is located in the Boukan neighbourhood of northern Tehran, characterized by steep terrain and dense tall trees. Many old houses with green courtyards line the alleys, and open green views of the Alborz Mountains appear from their windows. The building sits in four storeys atop a large stone base, with a sizeable courtyard containing trees and a garden bed. This particular unit was the only one without a green courtyard or balcony, and its openings were limited to a few south-facing windows. The central design idea was to establish a strong line of communication between interior and exterior to realize the existing fabric's potential. New spaces were added like collages onto the living space — green threads connecting inside and outside, admitting natural light, framing outdoor views, housing plants, and dividing space. A wooden tunnel running from the entrance axis divides the plan in two: the southern half facing the courtyard for public spaces (living room, reception, kitchen for cooking classes), and the northern half for private zones. A rectangular terrace was built before the single courtyard-facing window, allowing residents to spend domestic life facing nature. The lightwell on the northern side was replaced by a small planted courtyard, bringing greenery and light to adjacent rooms. Collage Apartment won Third Place in the Renovation category at the 19th Memar Award (2019).