The literal meaning of the word ” Nefaar ” is a summer house; in the northern farms of Iran, simple wooden rest houses are common, which serve as a place to relieve fatigue and have lunch for farmers during the summer season and work hours. They also provide a safe haven in the evening or at night, protecting farmers against the fear of wild animal attacks.
When the design of a temporary residence in a small area of the northern resort cities was mentioned in our office, we aimed to present a contemporary interpretation of this concept. Since the project was expected to be unoccupied for most of the year and only used for residence and recreation during the summer season by our staff (regarding our role as both designer and client in this project), the issue was to respond to the collaborative use of limited space while accommodating the simultaneous presence of employees during holidays. In addition to aligning with the climate, the project needed to address the functionality of shared utilization of a confined space while accommodating multiple households simultaneously.
The design concept _taking into account cost-effectiveness, utilization of the region’s natural capacities, and various day-night scenarios_ resulted in a residence composed of two levels, situated on a pilot space aligned with the natural wind direction and offering a scenic view of the sea. The plans consist of a modular quartet layout, with a centralized service zone housing vertical access, a kitchen, and a restroom in the northwest corner. Lightweight aluminum round partitions with blades covered by native plant branches are responsible for the spatial separation. They enable linear movement and mobility by the user, bringing about simultaneous changes in form, space, and internal proportions within the residence. As a result, more possibilities for different programmatic scenarios are created. During the day, by deploying movable panels on the balcony wall, a view towards the sea is established, allowing for airflow control, natural ventilation, and achieving a comfortable indoor temperature in consideration of the local damp climate conditions. Additionally, the integrated space becomes suitable for shared use and various group activities such as interaction, play, and dining. Meanwhile, during the night, by moving them in the opposite direction, separate zones for each household are provided, preventing the entry of pests and insects.
Nefaar is a dual, based on time. During the day, with the partitions open, it possesses an open, outward nature, with expansive views and larger public areas. Conversely, at night, it becomes closed, and enclosed, with more intimate, smaller, independent spaces.
In other words, the bedroom, which traditionally has defined boundaries and a single function, is challenged in this design and moves away from its conventional concept. The rest area and sleeping space are established on a flexible platform that adapts to different programmatic needs and transforms its character throughout the day, according to the individuals’ requirements.
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