Gilak Villa: An Architectural Tribute to Tradition and Climate

Iranian Designer Davood Salavati's Award-Winning Design

The inspiration behind the Gilak Villa lies in the climatic architecture of traditional buildings. Salavati believes that these structures, which have evolved over centuries, can provide invaluable insights for modern architectural ideas. The traditional techniques used in these buildings, honed through trial and error, have enabled them to control potentially harmful environmental factors, such as humidity, wind, and radiation.

Salavati's design focuses on the climatic techniques of temperate and humid regions in Iran. The Gilak Villa is designed to control humidity, wind, and radiation, bringing the standard of living closer to the comfort range. This is achieved through a nine-square geometric technique, based on the geometry of Iranian architecture and Iranian carpets.

The unique feature of the Gilak Villa is its central axis, designed as an integrated void. Openings to this void from all four directions on all floors allow airflow and moisture to escape from inside the building. A corridor surrounding the building aids airflow and prevents air confinement. The gables stretching over the corridors control direct sunlight inside the building in hot seasons, preventing a rise in ambient temperature.

The sloping and homogeneous roofs on all four sides of the building control rainwater, directing it to a path for collection and reuse. The integrated roof surface also provides the ability to use photovoltaic panels. The control of radiation, humidity, and airflow throughout the building is automatic, with minimal consumption of non-renewable energy.

The Gilak Villa is located in Gilan, a province in northern Iran known for its humidity and heavy rainfall. The design of the villa reflects the unique architecture of the region, characterized by extroversion with a sloping roof. This design blurs the boundary between inside and outside, creating semi-open spaces and transparent layers that combine the interior and exterior space.

In conclusion, the Gilak Villa is a remarkable example of how traditional architectural techniques can be integrated with modern design principles to create sustainable, climate-responsive buildings. Salavati's design is not only a tribute to Iranian architectural heritage but also a testament to the power of sustainable design. It serves as an inspiration for architects and designers worldwide to explore and incorporate traditional techniques in their work.