Sipan residential bldg | RYRA STUDIO

Sipan is a 10-storey residential building in 12600 sqm which is located in Jamshidieh neighborhood, in north of Tehran. This part of the city is situated at the hillsides of Alborz mountains, Higher in altitude than central and southern Tehran, so  Jamshidieh and other neighborhoods located at northern city of spectacular views, benefits less air pollution and more tranquility.

A very important issue in our design process is to take advantage of the spectacular view and at the same time block the undesirable one, The localization and altitude of the site have ensured scenic overlooks towards south; to the city and fantastic views towards north; the rocky hillsides and the natural gardens in the neighborhood, but in the east side we have an opposite neighbor with an unpleasant look-out which we prefer to have less openings, to have more privacy especially in more private spaces.

Consistency/conformity between the building's envelope and interior spaces has been our design principle. The initial idea reflects the organization of the spaces: the more private rooms are located at the edges of the layout, while the more public spaces are set at the center, to benefit from more light and view. The design of the building's envelope follows the same rule. A rectangular module with an

opening inside proliferates on the surface of the envelope. Larger units with larger openings at the center of facade grow smaller towards the edges of the building , offering more privacy.

The pattern of the envelope has been derived from the super-imposition of two grids : the grid of the existing structure and the grid proposed by the organization of the public and the private spaces.

Traditional forms or ornaments  have not been used in the design. Yet, the concept of "unity in diversity" has influenced our design. The general concept and the details have been originated from a unique idea that presents "unity" in all of the spaces of the project. In the old traditional architecture, a "module"(Peyman) had been used in different  design aspects, in all  scales .The same routine has been implemented in the design of this project with an attempt to avoid monotony and boredom in the repetition of the modules and elements.

Diversified depths of the facade modules , not only enhances the dynamism and vitality of the facade by generating an erratic texture, but also boosts the lighting features and the overnight beauty of the building. Our first consideration In choosing the building materials was to avoid the use of disparate materials and to execute the natural materials; stone and wood. Because of the rocky and green mountains in the north of the site, the uniformly use of stone in facade in addition to the green roof, connects the skyline of the project with the mountains and provides unity with its instant environment.

The project is also an innovative approach to stone. In Iran stone is mainly considered classic architecture. With this project we tried to change the rules and show how this traditional, natural material can be used in a contemporary way.