Iranian architect-brothers Yaser Rashid Shomali and Yasin Rashid Shomali of Shomali Design Studio have conceptualised an elegant and artful cottage in the heart of the northern forests of Iran. Titled Kujdane, which means ‘very small’ in local Gilaki language, the 90m house is a contemporary interpretation of traditional A-frame typology of buildings.

Located in Gilan province, a beautiful Iranian region along the coast of the Caspian Sea, the house is envisioned around forest covered mountains and plenty of rivers. The idea, as per the architects, was to change the old fashioned and rigid style of A frame spaces to create an experiential setting. The architecture is ideated to present the luxury of a contemporary space that snuggles within nature and wherein every space one can feel the passage of snow, light and rain.

A glass atrium runs through the heart of Kujdane, creating a vertical connection between the sky and the ground. Full height glass façade reveals the interiors of the house in which wooden elements have been predominantly used. Divided into two levels, the elevated house is entered via an outdoor wooden staircase that connects it to the ground. A small pond below the house doubles the purpose of rainwater harvesting and creates a natural cooling effect.

Inside, a cooling grey coloured palette is juxtaposed against warm-toned wooden elements. An open plan layout is followed in the interior design in which a seamless transition between spaces is evoked on both levels.

While the lower floor is conceived as the family’s living and dining area, the upper level, which is accessed via an internal staircase, features more private spaces such as the master bedroom and a study. Vertical glazed openings along the slope of the roof reveal views of the outdoor landscape.

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The project was conceived by the Shomali brothers during their quarantine time at home in 2020. “We wanted to travel virtually with our own dedicated style. Hence, Kujdane was born,” says Yaser Rashid Shomali.

When we ask if the brothers would like to construct this house someday for themselves or for a client, they reply in the affirmative. “Yes, we will build it for ourselves soon and do also have clients in some countries. The first build will start in Australia. We are imagining Kujdane in lovely locations out of the hustle and bustle of the cities,” they share.