Project: Narbon Villa
Architecture: Gera Studio Architects
Location: Kerman, Iran
Year: 2022
Photo Credits: Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh
Narbon Villa by Gera Studio Architects nestles within a pomegranate garden in historic Kerman, Iran. The design pays homage to the region’s rich heritage, which dates back to 224–241 CE. The architects preserved the original thatched wall of the garden and built a new wall behind it. This choice honors the garden’s character while redefining its boundaries with meandering alleys that evoke nostalgia and cherished memories.
Seamless Indoor-Outdoor Connection
Inside, the design connects the courtyard and the house. The architects created a sunken courtyard that serves as a cool sanctuary from the heat. The house captures a slice of the sky through two deep openings, called “sky rifts.” These rifts boost air circulation and provide natural cooling. The play of sunlight and shadows transforms the space throughout the day.
A Pavilion Inspired by Heritage
The design invites residents to either stay inside or wander into the rear garden. The house functions like a pavilion and draws on the region’s climate and cultural heritage. The second sky rift leads to the rooftops. There, long walls and multi-level roofs cast refreshing shadows, keeping the interior cool and conserving energy on hot days. These features also frame the surrounding landscape and create a dynamic connection between occupants and nature.
A Tapestry of Emotion and Experience
The interior spaces intertwine around the central core of exposed bricks and the sky rifts. Together, these elements tell a story of diverse emotions and experiences. Narbon Villa stands as a living narrative that honors its past while embracing modern design.
