Omid Azeri & Jafar Lotfolahi: The project is located in the central part of Iran, Kerman, where the climate is hot-arid. In this climate, the earth has always been the most prevalent and important natural building material. To help this house blend into their setting, the studio chose to use local material, including soil, clay, and cement. It creates a feeling of warmth and consistency throughout the whole spaces, complemented by natural stone flooring. The soil – taken and reused from the excavations to bury the foundations – is the main material, therefore, architecture emerges from the place.
The monolithic volumes of the house are predominantly solid and closed to the outside, transparent and open to the courtyard and consist of two parts, one for winter and other for summer. The door opens into the courtyard area, with a volume to one side containing the kitchen and bedrooms above. Other spaces on the ground floor include the living and dining areas, which open onto views of the courtyard.
