The inspiration for Rouzan came from the client's childhood memories of her traditional Iranian home. The house featured a central fountain surrounded by gardens, with circular rooms facing the fountain, creating a sense of inclusion. Each room had a wooden framed window made of smaller identical windows, producing symmetrical shapes when sunlight passed through. To recreate this nostalgic atmosphere, the signature canopy window patterns were implemented onto key compartments of the building.
What sets Rouzan apart is its ability to provide two distinct lifestyles in one building. The facade, interiors, and rooftop are designed to resemble traditional Iranian houses, with the use of traditional bricks, semi-transparent bricks, wooden canopies, and decorative cavities. These elements create a sense of familiarity and nostalgia. However, the design also incorporates advanced architectural touches to appeal to modern buyers, making it a perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
The realization of Rouzan involved the use of indigenous materials and intricate brick designs. The facade was designed with vertically aligned bricks, featuring concave sections and sharp angles that guide the viewer's gaze upward. The interior facade, entrance, wooden door, and staircase designs also incorporated intricate brick patterns, creating a modernized look for the entire project.
One of the key features of Rouzan is its electrical rotating canopy windows. These windows can be remotely controlled to expand and contract, allowing for maximum sunlight entry in the winter and minimizing it in the summer. This innovative solution ensures that the building absorbs the least possible heat during the hot summers and maximizes sunlight absorption during the cold winters.
Rouzan is located in Isfahan, Iran, where the climate is hot and dry in summer and cold and dry in winter. Extensive research was conducted to determine the optimal angles of illumination patterns for the openings in the facade, canopy windows, and building entrance. Solar energy absorption was also analyzed using empirical formulas and simulator software, taking into account the unique climate of Isfahan.
Despite facing challenges such as meeting logistical guidelines and working within a limited budget, the design team successfully created a building that is not only efficient and functional but also visually appealing. The signature canopy windows provide privacy for the residents while adding a distinctive look to the facade, both during the day and at night.
Rouzan was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2020, recognizing its well-designed, practical, and innovative features. This prestigious award is given to creations that meet professional and industrial requirements, integrating industry best practices and competent technical characteristics.
Rouzan is a testament to the power of blending tradition and modernity. With its unique design elements and thoughtful integration of traditional Iranian architecture, it offers residents a truly exceptional living experience.
Project Designers: Seyed Hamed Jafari
Image Credits: Image 1# photographer Negar Sedighi
Image 2# photographer Negar Sedighi
Image 3# photographer Negar Sedighi
Image 4# photographer Negar Sedighi
Image 5# photographer Negar Sedighi
Project Team Members: Co-Architect: Azadeh Gaminian
Structural execution: Gholamali Shafiei
Project Name: Rouzan
Project Client: Seyed Hamed Jafari