Reimagining the Persian Chaharbagh tradition through contemporary architectural language that celebrates regional heritage, optimizes resource management, and creates meaningful connections between built form and natural context. The project honors vernacular wisdom while addressing modern needs, framing views of Kalat Mountain and surrounding landscapes through transparent interfaces that transform throughout the day with the interplay of light and shadow.
Task
Design of a 7,200m² residential garden complex with central villa pavilion integrating Persian Chaharbagh principles, sustainable water systems, and local architectural traditions.
Dara’s Garden is a contemporary reinterpretation of the Persian Chaharbagh pattern, featuring a central pavilion villa that serves both as a leisure retreat and an independent residence. The project harmoniously integrates traditional Persian garden design principles with modern architectural elements to create a sustainable and culturally resonant living environment.
The central villa was designed to maximize visual connectivity with the surrounding landscape through transparent facades and expansive openings that blur the boundary between interior and exterior spaces. This transparency, combined with thoughtful manipulation of light and shadow, creates an ever-changing spatial experience that responds to the natural rhythms of the day.
A defining aspect of the design was its responsiveness to the surrounding context. The architecture deliberately frames views of significant natural landmarks, including Kalat Mountain, neighboring palm groves, and adjacent agricultural lands. These framed vistas become integral to the villa’s identity, with carefully positioned transparent shells and varied framing techniques in the walls and roof enhancing the connection to the natural environment.
In response to the region’s hot, arid climate, the project incorporates sophisticated water management systems inspired by traditional practices. Two strategically positioned water reservoirs collect rainwater through an integrated network of waterways, channeling it to a circular elevated reservoir. This system supports the site’s extensive greenery while creating pleasant auditory experiences through carefully designed canals and fountains that animate the landscape throughout the changing seasons.
The design draws deeply from local architectural traditions and climatic adaptations of the region. Key elements include:
The project also revives cultural heritage elements, including the traditional ‘Ajī-Pangī‘ water game, integrating them meaningfully into the contemporary design.
