Shopare: A Bat-Inspired Architectural Marvel

Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali's Award-Winning Design Melds Nature and Architecture

The design's name, Shopare, translates to 'bat' in the local language of Gilaki. The architects used typography as a part of the architectural design to create a sense of floating, much like a bat in flight. The north side of the structure is mostly closed to protect against rain, while the other sides are open, allowing residents to feel as though they are living in the heart of the forest.

The materials used in the construction of Shopare were chosen for their durability and minimal maintenance requirements. The main cladding material for the walls and roofs is pre-finished steel, chosen for its aesthetic appeal and characteristics. The grey and anthracite panel coloring mirrors the multiple shades of grey found in the surrounding environment.

One of the unique features of Shopare is its floor-to-ceiling glass and large windows. These design elements bring the beautiful surrounding nature into the home, providing warmth and brightness. The lower level of the house, which houses the technical spaces and the entrance, is made of poured concrete. This level connects the house to the ground at two corners, defining the horizontality of the base while lifting the primary spaces that are topped with a flat roof line.

The main area of the house consists of a social area, which includes a living room, kitchen, and sitting area. This design seeks to create a connection between the interior and exterior through the spaciousness of the space and the floor-to-ceiling windows. Wooden beams used in this space create an interesting perspective, taking the vanishing point to the living room of the house.

Shopare is a simple design that can be easily built with a steel frame. The materials can be moved to the building site as prefabricated elements and then assembled there. The key element of this building is a bonding glass box which separates two sides of the building. Walking on a glass floor in the middle of a building can bring a sense of freedom in nature.

This minimalist architecture concept design, inspired by the bat, offers a beautifully durable exterior of metal materials. Set on a hillside, it features a sleek long box shape that maximizes views and a central glass slice for unobstructed connection between indoors and outdoors. The unique parking under a bridge provides extra space, while natural materials like wood and stone create a warm, elegant atmosphere inside.

Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali's Shopare is a testament to the power of design to harmonize with nature, and a worthy recipient of the Golden A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award in 2023. This design is a shining example of the potential for architecture to enhance our connection with the natural world, while providing a comfortable and stylish living space.