Casa Bridge-ette, 2024 | Atelier Arman Safavi

Nestled within the serene embrace of one of Tehran’s last remaining Persian gardens, Casa Bridge-ette reimagines modern living with seamless integration of nature and architectural innovation. This private residence, part of a larger residential compound, balances transparency with privacy through its glass façade and thoughtful spatial design.

Guests enter the residence by crossing a tranquil entry pond via floating stone steps, an architectural feature that introduces a sense of serenity and establishes a seamless dialogue between the natural and built environments.

At the heart of the design is a striking glass bridge that hovers above the hydraulic pool’s exterior section—half of which extends into the lower level of the residence, serving the clubhouse. The multifunctional pool features a retractable floor, allowing it to transform to suit a variety of uses, further enhancing the adaptability of the design.

The main living level comprises expansive spaces, including a living room, dining area, and kitchen. These zones are anchored by a bespoke 9-ton, 7-meter-long kitchen island carved from solid rock. A 2-meter-long cantilevered section serves as both a bar and dining table, offering flexibility tailored to the client’s needs.

Descending from this level is a mixed-material floating staircase, incorporating glass and a Tetris-like stone landing. The landing extends northward, leading to the clubhouse, and southward, transitioning through a glass window to become a cantilevered counter. This counter, supported by a thousand-year-old rock unearthed during construction, integrates a sink, cooktop, and dining space—an elegant fusion of utility and sculptural craftsmanship. Far from being an adjacent element, the counter is a seamless continuation of the staircase’s design, embodying architectural innovation and precision.

The clubhouse level is home to a retractable pool, a conversation pit with an integrated bar and fireplace, and spa-inspired amenities. Situated underground, the conversation pit is illuminated by a grand skylight, framing the centuries-old trees above and creating a dramatic interplay of light and shadow.

Casa Bridge-ette consists of two primary volumes: the main living and kitchen zones and the private bedroom wing. These zones are connected by the architectural centerpiece—the glass bridge—after which the project is named. A sculptural wooden spiral staircase connects the bedroom wing to the room beneath, which serves as both a study and poolside entertainment area. From here, residents access the poolside yard, further emphasizing the seamless flow between spaces.

Through its innovative design and meticulous attention to detail, Casa Bridge-ette exemplifies a harmonious balance of materiality, craftsmanship, and the interplay between architecture and nature. Paying homage to the timeless beauty of Persian gardens, it stands as a testament to forward-thinking design principles.