Architectural Cases

The Central Courtyard Villa, designed by NextOffice in Lavasan, Iran, presents a compelling reinterpretation of traditional Iranian architectural elements, notably the central courtyard. This contemporary residence features a distinctive tunnel and bar structure, characterized by a continuous series of stacked arches. The innovative design creates a three-dimensional central courtyard that serves as the heart of the building, addressing critical aspects such as climate regulation, privacy, and daily social interactions within a cohesive architectural framework. NextOffice has reimagined the conventional inward-looking courtyard typology, extending its influence across the entire property to form a permeable spatial system that masterfully orchestrates natural light, movement, and social engagement throughout the home.

The villa's design extends the concept of the courtyard beyond its conventional confines, transforming it from a simple open space into a multifaceted, layered environment. This is achieved through a series of stacked tunnels and ribbon-like volumes, seamlessly connected by continuous arches. This structural arrangement generates a rich network of terraces, voids, and strategically placed openings that create a fluid boundary between indoor and outdoor areas. The resulting house oscillates between a sense of introversion and extroversion, offering its occupants a continually evolving spectrum of spatial experiences that adapt to their needs and the surrounding environment.

Reimagining the Traditional Courtyard

In Lavasan, Iran, NextOffice's Central Courtyard Villa represents a significant architectural endeavor that boldly reinterprets the traditional Iranian courtyard house. This project is characterized by its innovative use of stacked arched volumes, which define a unique three-dimensional central courtyard. Unlike its historical counterparts, this contemporary design integrates modern living requirements with time-honored architectural principles, providing a dynamic and adaptable residential space. The villa’s core concept revolves around creating an intricate interplay between enclosed and open areas, where light, air, and social interactions are carefully curated through a permeable spatial system. The design effectively transforms the conventional courtyard from a static element into a vibrant, multi-layered environment that profoundly influences the daily lives of its residents. It bridges the gap between historical precedent and modern architectural expression, offering a fresh perspective on residential design in Iran.

The studio's approach in the Central Courtyard Villa pushes the boundaries of conventional design by conceptualizing the courtyard not merely as an open void but as an integral, three-dimensional element that permeates the entire structure. This is accomplished through a sequence of interconnected tunnels and graceful, ribbon-like volumes, unified by continuous arches that are both structural and aesthetic. This innovative stacking technique gives rise to a complex network of terraces, interstitial voids, and carefully framed openings, which subtly blur the division between the interior and exterior realms. The outcome is a dwelling that deftly transitions between states of intimate seclusion and expansive openness, providing its inhabitants with a rich and varied array of spatial perceptions. The design’s nuanced permeability is further enhanced by features such as a ground-level pool that not only moderates the climate but also adds a sensory dimension, and facades that open generously towards the courtyard, creating a continuous dialogue between the various spaces.

Integrated Design and Materiality

The Central Courtyard Villa masterfully employs permeability as a foundational design principle, shaping every aspect of its composition. On the ground level, a striking pool penetrates the floor, introducing water as both a natural climate regulator and a sensory element that enhances the living experience. The facades, strategically positioned on opposite sides, open expansively towards the central courtyard, while the ceiling gently dissolves into the sky above, creating a seamless connection with the outdoor environment. These deliberate architectural gestures imbue the residence with a soft and adaptable quality, fostering an environment where enclosed rooms and semi-open spaces fluidly interact and engage in a continuous dialogue. This thoughtful integration ensures that the villa is not just a structure, but a responsive and dynamic living space that harmonizes with its surroundings.

The villa's tectonic logic skillfully blends a hybrid character, combining both conventional and innovative construction methods. It incorporates a traditional beam-and-column system alongside a distinctive arched structure, all meticulously clad in brick surfaces. These brick elements not only evoke familiar local materials but also contribute to the formation of fresh and unexpected spatial relationships. This thoughtful fusion of structural approaches creates an atmosphere that simultaneously feels contemporary and deeply rooted in the area's heritage. The interplay of water, natural light, graceful arches, and intricately carved openings culminates in a unique sensory experience within the Central Courtyard Villa. This design approach succeeds in referencing Iran's rich architectural past while presenting these elements in novel forms, reaffirming the courtyard as a vibrant and adaptable component for modern residential living.

Unveiling the Hidden Beauty: Drywall Guides as Art

Reimagining Conventional Construction Materials as Core Design Elements

The Drywall Collection offers a fresh perspective on standard construction systems, transforming them into a suite of architectural objects. This innovative series encompasses seating, illumination fixtures, and artistic installations, all unified by principles of repetition, modularity, and material uniformity. By engaging with mass-produced components, the initiative explores how fundamental structural principles can dictate artistic form, thereby making traditionally hidden systems visually engaging and integral to the design.

The Artistic Vision of Claudio Larcher and Sofia D'Andrea

Conceived by the visionary duo Claudio Larcher and Sofia D'Andrea, the collection draws its essence from metal drywall guides—technical profiles typically embedded within walls and thus rendered invisible. These industrial elements are meticulously extracted from their usual roles and reshaped into pieces that exude a sleek, cohesive architectural aesthetic. The project posits these components not as auxiliary infrastructure, but as foundational design materials, highlighting their intrinsic formal and structural attributes.

Innovative Repurposing and Artistic Interpretation of Industrial Materials

Through careful modular arrangements and precise modifications to the cross-sections of the metal studs, achieved using sophisticated bending and cutting techniques, the common drywall profile is reimagined. These alterations enable the creation of diverse volumes, intricate surface details, and compelling three-dimensional forms. The strategic manipulations not only introduce reflective qualities but also imbue spatial depth, extending the utilitarian logic of the material into a realm of expressive design.

Advancing Sustainable Design Through Material Reevaluation

Claudio Larcher and Sofia D'Andrea's Drywall Collection also champions the inventive reuse and reinterpretation of industrial materials. It underscores the untapped aesthetic value of components often relegated to construction waste or hidden assembly. By preserving the original character of the material while drastically altering its spatial function, the project advocates for a novel understanding of material worth, rooted deeply in iterative processes, modularity, and a commitment to architectural clarity.