The Avico Villa by Majid Roudgarpour in Chālūs, Iran, is designed to maintain a close connection between the interior spaces and the courtyard. Completed in 2024, the house features staggered rectangular volumes that emphasize the building’s relationship with its outdoor surroundings. Roudgarpour incorporated spacious terraces with views of the Alborz Mountain range, glass railings, and passive systems to enhance natural ventilation and energy efficiency.
In the historic town of Chālūs, Iran, architect Majid Roudgarpour has designed the Avico Villa to seamlessly integrate modernity with tradition. This area, known for its single-story buildings, features a rich history spanning over 40 years. When tasked with designing on a site that once held a valued single-story residence, Roudgarpour focused on maintaining the close connection between the interior spaces and the courtyard, as well as honoring human-scale proportions that suited garden dwellers.
With the site’s southern orientation, the villa’s main spaces were strategically positioned toward the courtyard. The structure comprises two rectangular volumes, elegantly staggered so that the first floor recedes from the ground floor, offering a distinct view from the courtyard.
Given Chālūs’ height restrictions, the Avico Villa showcases a greater elevation on its northern side, facing an alley. This aspect of the design effectively separates the urban space from the serene interior.
Upon entering, residents and visitors pass through a lobby before encountering a series of steps leading to the sunken living area. This design choice provides additional height and fosters a more intimate connection with the courtyard, aligning the living area with the level of the courtyard and veranda.
On the southern side of the villa, spacious terraces are designed to captivate viewers with stunning vistas of the Alborz Mountain range. These terraces feature glass railings that artfully blur the boundary between the built environment and nature.
The terrace also hosts a jacuzzi, thoughtfully concealed from neighboring buildings by strategically placed concrete elements and abundant greenery. This offers an element of privacy while still allowing for the enjoyment of the surrounding scenery.
Inside the first floor, spaces are arranged to maximize the cool mountain breezes that travel towards the sea. Majid Roudgarpour’s design cleverly incorporates this natural airflow, creating cross-ventilation throughout the villa. The addition of a skylight aids in heat exhaust and enhances ventilation.
As part of its commitment to sustainability, the villa also features solar panels on the rooftop. These passive systems collectively contribute to the Avico Villa’s thermal comfort and energy efficiency, ensuring that residents can enjoy a harmonious and environmentally responsible living experience.
