In the recent years, land price has drastically increased in the resort areas of north Iran. Consequently, people are less interested to build weekend villas, and are increasingly inclined to invest in relatively cheaper apartment units, that are also easier to maintain. The project is located in Namakaburd, a resort complex with private villas as well as mid-rise and high-rise apartment buildings, and high-end luxury hotels. The complex is situated in a unique location where mountain and sea are in close proximity.
In our project, we tried to materialize all the amenities and qualities of a villa in an apartment unit. The quality of the units with direct access to private yards/gardens on each level, is similar to that of second homes situated on the ground level;Whereas, the units enjoy better views toward the sea and the mountains, and receive more natural light. Moreover, the vernacular architecture of the region (the Shekili house) has found a modern interpretation in the design of the units. The incorporation of cross-ventilation and the use of semi-open circulation spaces are not only references to the architecture of the nearby villages, but also practical strategies to make the design harmonious with the surrounding climatic and geographical conditions.