Stairs for Life: Khadar Villa

Shandiz, Iran

Add To Collection

Other Projects by NAM Office

Add To Collection

“Suspended Brilliance” | Tallasaz Jewelry Store

Add To Collection

Naser Khosrow Residential Project

Add To Collection

Soleymani Exchange Office

Stairs for Life: Khadar Villa

Shandiz, Iran

Firm

NAM Office

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2024

SIZE

1000 sqft - 3000 sqft

BUDGET

Unknown

Project Title: Stairs for Life

Architects: NAM Office
Location: Mashhad,IRAN
Project Year: 2024
Photographs: M. Hassan Ettefagh

-Lead Architects:
Arash Heidarian, Fahimeh Montaseri
-Design Team:
Leila Fadaee, Hediye Shafiyee, Arman Abbaszadeh
-Presentation Team:
Mona Zamani, Salva Monsef
Photographer:
Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh

Project Description:
“Stairs for Life” is a contemporary metamorphosis of the traditional central courtyard typology, adapted to the local climate while preserving the spatial and circulatory integrity of an archetype refined through centuries of evolution. The project narrates a modern story of continuity and transformation, blending historical values with new environmental and experiential needs.

The initial cubic mass was deformed intentionally in response to functional, climatic, and dynamic site forces. By compressing the built volume into one corner of the plot and freeing a major open area, the project maximizes environmental interaction, enhances visual continuity, and creates a fluid relationship between interior and exterior spaces. The subtle shifts in mass generate a spatial sequence of ascents, descents, and pauses, guiding the user through an experiential journey rather than a purely functional route.

On a flat, featureless site, the architectural form reimagines the foothill-valley landscape distinctive to the Khadar region’s countryside. The white sculptural mass acts simultaneously as a mountain for ascent and a valley for gathering and contemplation around water elements.
The external stairway, wrapping and weaving around the volume, echoes the metaphor of mountain climbing, shaping the building’s dynamic and expressive façade.

One of the defining features of the project is the synchronized movement of the external and internal staircases. At specific points, these two flows converge at shared landings, separated only by a delicate glass partition. This architectural gesture preserves visual and conceptual continuity while allowing functional separation, enhancing the perception of a living, breathing structure that simultaneously connects interior and exterior realms.

At the heart of the project lies a central void, animated by a suspended staircase that orchestrates vertical circulation and frames the experience of light, movement, and space. The generous openings and skylights allow natural light to penetrate deeply, fostering a vibrant, ever-changing atmosphere within.

The material palette — dominated by natural stone surfaces, neutral tones, and transparent glazing — accentuates the calmness and unity of the architectural language, while emphasizing the project’s commitment to climatic responsiveness, simplicity, and spatial richness.