House in Dornasar

The client commissioned this villa by the Caspian Sea for entertaining. Reflecting the client’s attraction to Eastern philosophy, the architect used the principles of Yin and Yang as a guiding idea for the design. The courtyard (Yang) is a place for activity, with bonfire and waterfall; the interior (Yin) is a place for rest and calm, with earth-tone colours. The indoor space surrounds the outdoor space and vice versa, encouraging free movement between the two. Stone from the exterior is carried through to the floor and walls of the fireplace area. The house is higher to the north, allowing the sea breeze to enter, and lower to the south, protecting it from the sun.Source: Aga Khan Trust for Culture