House of Raaz: Bridging Tradition and Modernity in Tehran

House of Raaz, situated in Niavaran, Tehran, explores the intersection of generations, tradition, and contemporary living. Commissioned by a family of five—parents deeply connected to classical Iranian architecture and children seeking a modern lifestyle—the project’s central challenge was reconciling memory with innovation. The goal was not to create two separate houses under one roof or favor one vision over the other, but to weave these differing aspirations into a cohesive and harmonious whole. The resulting residence honors traditional Iranian design while embracing the openness, clarity, and spatial fluidity of modern living, maintaining continuity in materials, forms, and spatial organization.

The design was guided by the concept of a “contemporary interpretation of Iranian architecture.” Rather than copying historic forms or isolating modern elements, the project synthesizes both into a unified architectural language. Traditional motifs such as brick arches and internal courtyards inspired the design, not as literal replicas but as reinterpretations. These elements anchor the building in cultural memory while allowing for new spatial and formal expressions tailored to modern life.

Traditional Iranian features were reimagined using precise contemporary construction techniques. Iconic brick arches were executed with reinforced concrete frames and advanced masonry, ensuring durability and structural integrity. The residence employs a reinforced concrete skeleton with masonry infill, adorned with brick and ceramic tiles. Handcrafted tiles and warm plaster finishes evoke cultural familiarity, while steel accents and minimalist surfaces introduce a contemporary sensibility. This hybrid approach preserves the authenticity of craft while meeting modern technical standards.

The residence spans six above-ground floors and three basement levels, organized vertically to reflect the family structure. The ground floor features a welcoming lobby, followed by two duplex floors for the parents and three mirrored floors for the children, ensuring generational independence while preserving overall unity. The basements house two levels of parking and a recreational level with gym and pool facilities.

Natural light and spatial continuity are central to the design. A deep central lightwell channels sunlight from the courtyard down to the lowest basement, ensuring light and vitality even in subterranean areas. A secondary courtyard illuminates communal spaces on the first floor, creating a symbolic link between sky, ground, and shared family life. Light thus serves as both a functional and metaphorical connector—bridging generations, tradition with modernity, and private with communal spaces.

Distinctive Features

• Central lightwell connecting courtyard to basement levels

• Secondary courtyard for shared family areas

• Reinterpreted brick arches executed with modern techniques

• Material contrast: warm-toned stone, plaster, and handcrafted tiles in parent floors; darker stone, steel, and minimalist detailing in children’s areas

House of Raaz transcends the notion of a conventional residence; it is a living canvas where contrasts coexist. By weaving vernacular heritage into contemporary form, the project illustrates how Iranian architecture can evolve while retaining its essence. It offers a model for contextual, forward-looking housing, demonstrating that cultural roots and modern aspirations can harmoniously coexist.