Villa Lavasan

Iranians are fond of referring to the Lavasan district as the ‘Beverly Hills’ of Tehran. Even more spectacular than the stately villas of Lavasan is the magnificent vista: mountaintops that stretch all the way to the horizon. And yet, this building ‘collaborates’ with its special site: it has been designed in a manner that architecturally underscores the incomparable view, enhances it and highlights its qualities to a maximum. In synthesis with the native flora, a miniature natural paradise is created that provides room for recreation and relaxation. The materials and nature itself act as the two main protagonists in the draft design: glass, steel and concrete are used over large surfaces. The elegant minimalism they display allows the greenery of the garden paradise arrayed across the property with an area of 27,000 square metres to emerge in even greater contrast. The same is true of the botanical garden in the building adjoining the villa. Nestled into the sloping hillside, the annex integrates itself ideally into its surroundings. As a result of cantilevered plateaus protruding broadly outwards the villa’s individual levels seem to float in space, giving the design a dynamic, airy silhouette and the villa’s structure the lingering feel of a breath of science fiction.

The rooftop terrace with an unobstructed panoramic view is a special highlight that offers a cinema-style ‘immersion’ into the lower-lying floors: details such as a mirrored stairwell and open floor plans lend a certain flair reminiscent of a James Bond film set. The level below the rooftop terrace accommodates four bedrooms and is completely glassed-in. Here too, intriguing views and two ‘sweeping balconies’ ensure fascinating vistas that are carried further one level below with a terrace made of high-quality wood and infinity pool with integrated invisible whirlpool. The lower floors offer space for an open living room/kitchen unit, a spa zone, fitness room, a flat for staff, the smaller pantry service kitchen and storerooms. Surprising moments in the interplay between nature and architecture are the stairway leading across the pool basin and the lift that glides through a green, leafy forest. The glassed-in botanical garden in the annex blends the traditional notion of an orangerie with a ‘life on Mars’ scenario. Furnished with sofas and a café, a place to linger and relax at one’s leisure.