Gray Villa: Architecture Representation of Rocky Mountains

Maku is one of the cities in Iran with many potentials, such as beautiful scenery, enriched natural resources, and tourism. White Cube Atelier has completed a villa project located on a plot land of Maku, complete with rocky hills and a large green garden. Occupying an area of 120 square meters, this building then becomes a kind of monument or sign of the city entrance. Thus, this villa is expected to be important with its distinctive presence.

Gray Villa.

As it's situated in a natural, rocky, and contoured environment, the design concept of this villa considers the architectural context which has the least influence on the virgin gardens and seeks to liven up a close relationship with the natural environment. Geographically, Gray Villa is in the midst of abstract rocks and towering mountains, so the building is designed in an orderly and light manner.

The exterior of Gray Villa.

Gray Villa not only traditionally deals with nature but also tries to interact with the context in a modern way. This is represented through construction that utilizes basalt stone as a vernacular material and uses gray to create a neutral content with the surroundings. Although the formal appearance of the entire volume undergoes additions and subtractions, Gray Villa tries to fit into the context. So, during the day it will create different shadows from all sides.

The interior of Gray Villa.

This two-story building has zoning tailored to the needs of the occupants, the first floor is used for the living room and kitchen which can be accessed via a metal staircase in the courtyard. While the second floor has a role as a private area. Through windows and stairs that lead to the outside, residents can enjoy the natural scenery by relaxing while going up to the second floor.

The material details of the Gray Villa follow the surrounding natural conditions.

Visually, Gray Villa is designed with a form that has a connection with nature which is applied through wide openings. Gray Villa is a representation of a compilation of modernity such as approaches, methods, colors, volumes, connectivity, and thoughts executed in a peaceful manner and in sync with nature.

Gray Villa appears to blend in with nature.

Gray Villa's circulation diagram.