Deluxe Iranian Residential Complex is Built Around the Trees

This building is located in Niavaran, Tehran – a district in the northern foothills. The climate in this area is completely different than the south and center of Tehran because of the nearby Alborz Mountains. Unfortunately, many old gardens in the area have been destroyed by urbanization projects over the last century. But Mohammed Reza Nikbahkt took a different approach with the Niavaran residential complex by building around existing trees in order to preserve them.

The parcel of land allocated to the Niavaran complex accommodates a number of old trees whose conservation has been considered as the first priority in designing the complex. The preliminary design concept included the existing old trees in the building site and the building mass was divided into 2 main sections.

The five story complex is comprised of 30 residential apartments ranging from 80 to 300 square meters. The ground floor has been allocated to the entrance lobby, building manager’s office, ceremonies and gatherings hall. The first basement is mainly used for a parking lot and store rooms, while the second basement, in addition to a parking lot, includes the central heating room, swimming pool, spa and gym.

With help from the trees, open spaces provide natural ventilation and also decrease temperature. Spectacular views from top and bottom of voids have been created by curves around the trees.

Mohammad Reza Nikbakht and partner designed this building. Born in 1963, Nikbakht graduated from the University of Shahid Beheshti and began collaborating with Sharestan consulting engineers in 1985.

In 2003, along with some friends, he co-founded the “Zandigan” consulting firm. He has since accomplished numerous design, execution, restoration and rehabilitation projects, including the library of Hoseinieh-ye-ershad and the Bayazid Bastami complex and mausoleum. He also authored the book “the experience of restoration and rehabilitation of khanghah-e-chalabi-oghlou”.

His publications and historical restoration projects have received numerous prizes and honors in national and international circles including the honorable Aqa-Khan prize in Geneva.

This post is a guest contribution from Kaveh Samiei – Principal Architect at AAG and Lecturer at Semnan University. He also maintains Ecological Architecture for Iran on Facebook.