Wall House
Nestled on the banks of the Zayandehrood River, this 350-square-meter duplex house designed for a family of four in the historical city of Esfahan, Iran beautifully blends Persian architectural traditions with modern design principles.
The central concept of the Wall House is its dynamic wall – a symbolic and literal feature that divides the space into two distinct zones: public and private. This wall does more than just separate; it acts as a spatial organizer, connecting different parts of the house in unexpected ways. It’s a continuous structure that transforms traditional notions of walls into interactive, liminal spaces that invite curiosity and reflection.
Wall, ambiguous space
In this project, the wall transcends concepts of mere enclosing and structuring; it becomes a joint connector between diverse spatial realms. Meanwhile it is not just a thickness or background on the section box, it transforms into a spatial organizer instead, redefining its role within a complex web of architectural relationships.
First of all, a core linear wall is established, delineating spaces, followed by layers of wall parallel to the core line. Within these layers, space becomes activated. Each layer represents an independent space, and to transition from one space to another, one passes through the gap in the wall, becoming momentarily part of it (threshold). This threshold is not merely a moment in connection to different spaces; it is itself an expansion of various spatial conditions. It is neither here nor there; The interior spaces of the home are not confined to liveable areas but exist within the interstice between two vertical wall surfaces (in-between), while spaces outside define the interior of the home.
The transitional zone among the wall layers allows the threshold to extend into all spaces (liminality), meaning that the central wall, despite its central position between the zones on either side, is not an independent entity; it interacts dynamically with other spaces.
The liminality can transform mundane transitions into memorable journeys, evoking curiosity and wonder, can offer moments of pause and introspections amidst the hustle and bustle, and become hubs of social interaction, fostering community and connection.
Aesthetically, arched ceilings, echoes the curvilinear geometries of Persian’s acclaimed traditional architecture and courtyards, another Persian vernacular tradition, are incorporated within to provide natural light and ventilation while creating a variety of outdoor gathering spaces and areas for private contemplation.
Externally and internally, the house has a monolithic character that pays homage to traditional Persian architecture, celebrating geometry, materiality and color with the use of walls tinted with hues of earth color. This construction system provides a unique color and textural palette, creating a harmony between the house and its surroundings. Stepping inside, the natural light that seeps in the warm tones of the furniture, creating an ambiance that evokes silence and introspection.
CREDITS
Design Team: Paria Ezadi
Engineering: P. Ezadi
Landscape: Ezadi Architecture
Supervision: Pedram Ezadi
Construction agency: Ezadi Architecture
Construction Team: Majid Tahmasebi, Reza Parvane, Qolam Achekzahi, Ahmed Achekzahi, Amie Abdsharif, Milad Ahmadi, Masoud Karimi
