ZAV Architects Expands Iranian Home with Arched, Ombre “Architectural Limbs”
ZAV Architects has completed a striking extension named Golmorad, which breathes new life into a villa on the outskirts of Tehran. Originally a weekend retreat, the residence in Kouhsar has been transformed into a permanent family home through an innovative design that integrates new spaces with the existing structure. The extension is characterized by a dynamic series of overlapping arches, whose hues subtly transition from earthy terracotta to serene blue. This design philosophy aims to present the addition not as a separate entity, but as an organic growth emerging from the original building, creating a fluid and harmonious architectural statement.
Detailed Report: Golmorad House Extension by ZAV Architects
The Golmorad extension, envisioned by the acclaimed Iranian firm ZAV Architects, is a masterclass in organic architectural integration. Located in Kouhsar, on the vibrant fringes of Tehran, this project began with the acquisition of three adjacent orchard plots by the client. This expansion provided the canvas for ZAV Architects to transform a former weekend villa, originally designed by Firouz Firouz, into a fully functional and permanent residence.
Constructed with traditional masonry, the new addition is clad in plaster, echoing the earthy tones of the existing home. However, its distinct curved geometries immediately set it apart, creating a dialogue between the old and the new. The design intent was to make Golmorad appear as if it were an intrinsic outgrowth of the original building, manifesting as a series of gracefully overlapping arched roofs.
At one end, the vaulted extension gracefully branches into two distinct curved forms, each decreasing in height as they extend. One wing now accommodates a private bedroom complete with an en-suite bathroom, offering a tranquil retreat. The other wing hosts an expansive open-plan kitchen, living, and dining area, designed to seamlessly connect with an inviting outdoor pool, blurring the lines between indoor comfort and outdoor leisure. Strategically placed openings between the overlapping roof planes invite an abundance of natural light, illuminating the interiors and enhancing the sense of spaciousness.
ZAV Architects articulates their vision: "Rather than approaching the extension as either a replication of the original structure or a distinctly separate addition, the project explores a third possibility: an architecture that emerges from within the existing building itself." This philosophy is likened to a "grafting" process, where contemporary needs and aspirations are meticulously interwoven with the villa's existing framework, culminating in new "architectural limbs" that branch out. The studio emphasizes that the original structure retains its core architectural logic, rooted in thick-earth construction, while simultaneously evolving to develop distinct new organs.
A notable feature of Golmorad is its captivating color gradient, where terracotta hues gradually soften into cool blue tones. This chromatic transition reinforces the illusion of growth and evolution from the original home. As the studio elaborates, "The uniform color of the original villa develops into a chromatic spectrum that radiates outward from the existing core towards the newly formed branches. This transition makes the process of transformation visible, with each segmented shell expressing a distinct stage in the building's evolution."
Golmorad's innovative design has garnered significant recognition, being shortlisted in the house extension category of this year’s Dezeen Awards and winning the awards' public vote. This success follows ZAV Architects' previous accolades, including the Aga Khan Award for Architecture for their Majara Residence and Community Redevelopment on the Iranian island of Hormuz, underscoring their consistent contribution to groundbreaking architecture.
The Golmorad extension by ZAV Architects offers a profound reflection on the evolution of living spaces. It inspires us to view architectural additions not merely as expansions, but as opportunities for symbiotic growth and transformation. The studio's philosophy of "grafting" new elements onto existing structures provides a compelling model for sustainable development, where historical context is respected while embracing contemporary needs. This project encourages architects and homeowners alike to think creatively about how buildings can evolve, adapt, and breathe new life into their surroundings, fostering a deeper connection between architecture and its environment.
