Villa Floating

Location: Iran, Gilan

Material: Wood

Design date: 2025

Architect: Amir Reza Madadi Javid

Design team: Fatemeh Hosseinian

Story:

Text provided by the architects:

Floating Villa is a compact, efficient, and poetic architectural response designed for a temperate and humid landscape near a small lake. Rooted in the idea of maximum functionality with minimal complexity, the Villa reinterprets vernacular elevated dwellings of humid climates into a modular, minimal, and contemporary form. Inspired by traditional stilt Villas raised above ground for airflow and protection from moisture this design elevates the living space on a simple structure. A gently inclined ramp leads to the Villa, functioning not only as an access path but also as a midday resting/viewing platform for locals during their daily routines.

The building is a two-level wooden cube of approximately 70 square meters, designed for a couple. The ground floor includes a compact kitchen, a living and working area. The upper-level Villas include the bedroom, restroom, and private retreat.

Sustainability and Impact

Sustainability is at the heart of the project. Recycled wood and lightweight prefabricated concrete panels make for a fast, cost-efficient, and environmentally harmonious construction. The Villa benefits from natural cross ventilation thanks to openings on all four sides and its elevated position. The roof is equipped with solar panels, providing off-grid energy sufficiency.

The project's strength lies in its modularity, local identity, and low-tech ecological intelligence, allowing for easy replication and adaptation to similar climates and communities. A low-budget, economical, Floating Villa demonstrates how thoughtful design can offer dignified, beautiful living in balance with nature.

Shortlisted for the 3rd Biennial Villa Award 2025 - Idea Category with participant code VA-0114