How can the architecture accompany its curious audience in the experience of exploring space?
Like a playful child who is looking for an opportunity in his subconscious to discover, experience and Flânerie through space.
The exploration of “in-betweens”, the spaces which are inside and outside.
Exploring is an effort to arouse; arousing all sensory aspects that are not expected from space.

Our firm was tasked with designing a weekend villa, now known as “Kand-Kaav” (Persian for Excavation-Exploration), on a steeply sloped site in Shandiz, adjacent to a seasonal river. Despite regulations permitting two stories above ground and one basement level – constraints that have led to repetitive typologies in the region – we aimed to challenge the existing situation. The rapid increase of villa construction in this area has not only obstructed valley views but also compromised the natural landscape, often resulting in generic designs disconnected from residents’ lifestyles and experiential needs.

 Although the client had previously prepared complete plans, they approached us for a redesign due to unmet requirements. We analyzed this as “a distinction between urban dwellings and out-of-city residences.“ This differentiation became a key factor in our approach to the Kand-Kaav project.

Our design strategy for Kand-Kaav, embodying the concept of “Excavation-Exploration,” operated on two levels:

1. Dialogue between Architecture and Context: The primary objective was to harmonize the building with the natural topography, minimizing visual impact and preserving the landscape. This was achieved through layering and cutting the ground plane, then lifting these layers to create necessary spaces beneath – a literal interpretation of the “Kand-Kaav” concept. Vertical walls were added as visually independent elements to this horizontal composition. The only visible structure from the entrance is a transparent glass cube, creating a sense of mystery, while the rest of the building is integrated into the terrain. To further blend with the natural surroundings, we developed the concept of a “RoofScape,” unifying the roof, ceiling, and landscape elements.

2. Dialogue between Program, Lifestyle, and Spatial Organization: We aimed to create a dynamic and flexible program aligned with the residents’ lifestyle, fostering an experience rich in dynamism, excitement, playfulness, and exploration – all central to the “Kand-Kaav” philosophy. The interplay of solid and void spaces (Mass-Void), coupled with a diverse and intertwined circulation structure facilitated by stairs and corridors, enables continuous discovery for users. The circulation system resembles urban alleyways and passages interspersed among enclosed volumes, visually and spatially merging with open or semi-open areas.

Regarding adaptability, we implemented a zoning strategy allowing “Kand-Kaav” to function efficiently in warm and cold seasons with minimal energy consumption. The design accommodates various needs, from personal retreats to family gatherings and large social events. The “Kand-Kaav” project challenges the conventional typology of weekend villas in the region, offering a more site-responsive and environmentally rich alternative that engages deeply with its natural context and the lifestyles of its occupants. Through its design, “Kand-Kaav” embodies the spirit of excavation and exploration, both in its physical form and in the experiences it creates for its inhabitants.