Architects: Mohsen Kazemianfard – fundamental approach architects
Area: 420 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Parham Taghioff
Lead Architects: Mohsen Kazemianfard, Parima Jahangard
Structural Engineer: Saze Navad
City: Dezful
Country: Iran
Dezful House residential project designed by fundamental approach architects in Dezful, Iran, transforms a narrow urban plot into a private, inward-looking single-family home rooted in Iranian architectural traditions. Located at the end of a three-meter alley and enclosed by neighboring buildings, the house replaces a proposed multi-story apartment with a spatially rich structure centered around a circular courtyard. The design draws from vernacular Iranian forms to emphasize privacy, spatial fluidity, and environmental responsiveness. A modest exterior conceals a bright internal arrangement that reflects historical models while supporting contemporary living. The circular courtyard organizes all interior spaces and acts as a climatic and visual anchor. Curved ceilings cast shifting shadows and provide shade, while verandas mediate between interior and exterior. Natural airflow, supported by vegetation and a courtyard pool, circulates through semi-open zones to enhance thermal comfort in Dezful’s dense, hot climate.
Throughout Iranian history, the concept of home has represented more than a place of shelter. It has served as a secure environment for living, reflection, and shared life. Traditionally inward-facing, it has remained closely connected to its geographic and cultural context, consistently aiming to provide peaceful spaces in harmony with nature for family members. The site of this project is located within the compact urban fabric of Dezful, positioned at the end of a narrow three-meter alley. It has minimal visibility from the outside and is enclosed on all sides by adjacent buildings.
The client, driven by investment potential and a desire for increased security, initially planned to construct a multi-story apartment on the site, intending to reside in one of the units. During the design process, the architects focused on expanding the client’s understanding of architectural values such as privacy and the importance of private open spaces. They proposed design solutions addressing security concerns and ultimately encouraged the client to build a single-family residence that would better respond to the site’s specific characteristics and potential. The project aims to reinterpret principles from traditional Iranian architecture within a contemporary framework. Although the exterior of the house is modest and calm, it subtly suggests the richness of the interior, preparing visitors, in a manner consistent with historical Iranian architecture, for meaningful spatial experiences within.
Upon entering the house and passing through a semi-open area intended to protect the residents’ privacy, natural light guides the visitor toward the central space. At this point, the interior unfolds with a sense of discovery, revealing a bright, circular courtyard at the core of the house, around which all internal spaces are organized.
The spatial layout of the house follows the traditional configuration of a central courtyard, a defining feature in historical Iranian architecture. This enduring architectural model establishes the courtyard as the vital core of the home. It is no longer treated as a separate component but functions as an integral and dynamic element that links the interior and exterior spaces.
The circular shape of the ceilings offers residents a peaceful view of the sky and casts curved shadows on the straight interior walls, which shift throughout the day, serving as a subtle reminder of the passage of time. Moreover, this form increases shaded areas in the semi-open spaces, making them more comfortable for daytime use in the region’s hot and dry climate. The verandas surrounding the courtyard on the second floor function as semi-open transitional spaces between the interior and exterior, where daily life unfolds. These areas are intentionally undefined, allowing for flexible use and spontaneous activities.
The airflow, refreshed by the greenery of the central courtyard and the moisture from its pool, moves through the shaded semi-open areas before reaching the interior spaces, helping to cool the building. This passive ventilation strategy plays a crucial role in improving thermal comfort for residents in Dezful’s hot and semi-arid climate. It is made possible by the placement of openings directly opposite one another, allowing for effective cross-ventilation.
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Project Location
Address: Dezful, Khuzestan Province, Iran
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
Dezful House is such a beautiful example of blending traditional materiality with modern design. The way Fundamental Approach Architects interpreted local context while keeping the form so clean is impressive. Thanks for spotlighting this project!