Reviving Legacy: The Mehrani 08 Fusion of Heritage and Modernity
Mehrani 08
Nestled in the heart of downtown Tehran's Ferdowsi district, the Mehrani 08 renovation project seeks to preserve and revitalize the area's rich architectural heritage. With its historical, governmental, and diplomatic buildings, Ferdowsi has long been a testament to Iranian architectural prowess. However, rapid urban expansion and a shift towards imitating Western-style constructions have threatened the legacy of Iran's unique architectural style.
The Mehrani 08 renovation aims to honor the city's past while accommodating the needs of contemporary inhabitants. The formerly abandoned building, situated amid the Russian and British embassies, underwent a thoughtful transformation led by our studio. The top floor was redesigned with a focus on traditional construction techniques, seamlessly blended with modern functionality for its new occupants. The versatile space serves both residential and office purposes, adapting to the changing demands of the day.
Client: mym
Location: Tehran, Iran
Program: Residential and office
Area: 110 m²
Status: Completed 2018
Architect: Saba Yazdjerdi
Contractor: Reza Karimi
Photography: Kamyar Minoukadeh
This meticulously redesigned space features three interconnected zones: a dining and living area, a bedroom, and a kitchen area. The dining and living area is anchored by a striking 3-meter-long ruby-colored table, which serves as a workspace during the day and a gathering place at night. A cozy living area arrangement completes the space.
Due to the building's load-bearing wall structural system, the renovation of the 110 square-meter apartment required minimal changes to the original layout. Our studio created an open and fluid space by removing all interior doors, allowing natural light to circulate freely. The design thoughtfully frames spatial connections while respecting privacy, providing a dynamic experience as users move through the space.
In order to address the challenge of relocating the bathrooms, our studio introduced a full-height volume in the center of the floor plan. This striking curved wall shapes a welcoming foyer at the entrance, concealing the main areas while offering tantalizing glimpses into each space. The undulating entryway invites exploration, gradually revealing the various functions of the apartment.
A crucial element of the renovation was preserving the original floor tiles, a nod to the materials used in the building's construction. The contrasting dark and bright terrazzo tiles are arranged like large carpets throughout the space, while white walls and ceilings provide a harmonious backdrop. The Mehrani 08 renovation is a testament to the power of melding past and present, preserving Tehran's architectural heritage while embracing the needs of modern living.
The bedroom's original partition wall was demolished to create a more spacious and functional space. A wooden structural beam was left exposed, harmonizing with the raw wooden bed blocks and other natural elements. A floor-to-ceiling storage unit and wardrobe were installed, seamlessly integrating the bed. The open-concept private bathroom conceals its fixtures through limited viewpoints while showcasing the original construction methods with a sculptural counter and shower walls. The kitchen echoes this exposed design, revealing appliances within floor-to-ceiling niches and using their aesthetic to enhance the space.
Through meticulous renovation, the Mehrani 08 project successfully revitalizes a piece of Tehran's architectural legacy, blending traditional techniques with contemporary functionality to create a versatile and inviting space that honors the city's rich cultural heritage.