Silver Architecture, Building and Structure Design · 2023
Mijan Holiday House
by Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali
- A' Design Award 2023 Silver Winner in Architecture, Building and Structure Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Shomali Design Studio
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 22,440
- Verification code 3019C84BE4 · Verify this award
About Mijan Holiday House
Drawing inspiration from local buildings with sloping roofs, this architectural design blends traditional and modern elements. The wooden sloping roof provides a cozy atmosphere inside and a striking shape outside. Adding modern touches created a design that harmoniously blends with the surroundings. The solid form feels powerful and safe, while the fluid and corner shapes, warm colors, and unique floor materials inside create a cozy feel. The second conventional area elevates the viewer's eye level, presenting different points of view.
Within the broader context of contemporary residential architecture, Yaser and Yasin Rashid Shomali's Mijan Holiday House represents a compelling synthesis of sculptural expressionism and environmentally responsive design philosophy. The structure appears to engage thoughtfully with traditions of organic modernism pioneered by visionaries who sought harmony between built form and natural setting, while incorporating contemporary parametric sensibilities evident in the roof's complex folded geometry. The architects demonstrate considerable technical accomplishment in the seamless integration of the dramatic copper-toned metal cladding system, which wraps the upper volume in a continuous gesture suggesting both shelter and aspiration, the warm metallic surface establishing dialogue with autumnal foliage tones while contrasting productively with the cooler grey masonry base and the verdant summer landscape. The extensive glazing program dissolves conventional boundaries between interior refuge and exterior garden, inviting the surrounding mature trees and cultivated plantings to become active participants in the dwelling experience rather than mere backdrop. This transparency suggests an architectural philosophy valuing connection, openness, and the therapeutic qualities of nature immersion. The carefully composed landscape setting, featuring a serene water element in the foreground that mirrors both sky and structure, demonstrates sophisticated site planning that positions the building as a pavilion within a curated natural environment rather than an imposition upon it. The overall composition invites contemplation of how contemporary architecture might honor both human needs for shelter and drama while respecting and enhancing the natural systems within which we dwell, how might structures serve as thresholds between the constructed and organic realms rather than barriers between them.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- Used a solid and simple form to make a powerful and safe feeling, then added some curve roofs to soften the design shape. The primary goal was to create harmony with the surrounding by extending a sloping roof to the corner ground. Thus, the futuristic and modern form was born. Also, the interior has fluid and corner shapes, warm colors, and unique floor materials to make a cozy feel and the second conventional area brings up the viewer's eye level and presents different points of view.
- Dimensions & Packaging
- The villa dimensions is width 14 meters × depth 10 meters × height 8.2 meters. The whole building area is 240 square meters in two levels. The land are is 498 square meters.
- Tags
- Villa, A-frame, cottage, forest house, holiday cabin, modern
- Production Technology
- Steel structure and standing seam roof are the main materials used in this villa. White walls and large picture windows which are influenced by the form of slopping roof are added to permit fluidity and transparency to the spaces.
- Design Challenge
- the big challenge of this design was combining solid and sloping roof, also height limitation was a challenge on triangle form design. sloping roof was the local and routine form of this rainy area. all in all, considering these items brought us to this design both formaly and parcticaly.
- Project Duration
- The project started in January 2023 in Gilan, Iran.
- Operation Flow
- The client satisfaction is the main goal of this design.
- Research
- For design each project like this in our office, first we consider our old method of design. Then consider client needs. Discuss with our construction team, during this we reach the first concept.
- Inspiration
- The main idea came from the local buildingin this area with slopingroofs because of the rainy environment. Always we liked to see this wooden slopping roof from inside the house and the triangle shape from outside. Adding some modern sense helped us to come up with this design.
- Image Credits
- Yaser Rashid Shomali and Yasin Rashid Shomali, 2023.
Colors of Mijan Holiday House
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Design Interview about Mijan Holiday House
The main principle, idea, and inspiration behind our design is to create buildings that seamlessly blend modern design elements with traditional sloping roofs. We are inspired by the beauty of sloping roofs and aim to use them in a way that feels fresh and contemporary.
Our main focus in designing this work has been to achieve a balance between form and function while incorporating our signature sloping roofs. We aim to create buildings that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical, with a focus on sustainability and energy efficiency.
Our future plans for this award-winning design would be to continue to refine and improve upon it, incorporating feedback and insights from users and stakeholders. We also plan to use this project as a showcase for our design philosophy and to attract new clients who share our values.
It took us approximately two months to design this particular concept, including research, conceptualization, and development of the final design.
We designed this particular concept because it was commissioned by a client who was interested in a modern, minimalistic building with a sloping roof. However, our personal inspiration for pursuing this design language comes from a desire to create buildings that are both beautiful and functional while paying homage to traditional architectural elements.
At the moment, this design is not being produced or used by another company, but we are open to the possibility of selling or leasing the production rights or producing the work ourselves in the future.
We designed this particular type of work because we are passionate about creating buildings that are not only beautiful but also functional and sustainable. We believe that our signature sloping roofs add a unique touch to our designs and help to create a sense of harmony between the building and its surroundings.
There have been many designers who have influenced our work, including Frank Lloyd Wright, Le Corbusier, and Mies van der Rohe. We are also inspired by the natural world and draw on its shapes and forms in our designs.
The target customer for our design is anyone who is interested in creating a modern, minimalistic building with a sloping roof that is both beautiful and functional. This could include individuals, organizations, and businesses.
What sets our design apart from other similar or resembling concepts is our focus on blending traditional sloping roofs with modern design elements to create a unique and harmonious aesthetic.
We named our design language "Mijan" after our award-winning project of the same name. We chose the name based on local language words, specifically the Gilaki language, where "Mijan" means "my darling." We felt that the name captured the sense of affection and care that we put into all of our designs, and it has become an important part of our brand identity.
We use a variety of design tools when working on our projects, including 3D modeling software, CAD software, and hand sketching and drawing.
The most unique aspect of our design is our use of sloping roofs, which adds a traditional element to our modern designs and creates a unique and harmonious aesthetic.
We collaborate with a team of technical and specialized experts, including engineers, contractors, and environmental consultants, to ensure that our designs are both feasible and sustainable.
Technology plays a crucial role in our design process, particularly in the use of 3D modeling and CAD software to visualize and refine our designs.
Our design is influenced by data and analytical research on sustainable materials and methods, as well as research on the environmental impact of buildings and the needs of end-users.
Some of the challenges we faced during the design/realization of our concept included ensuring that the sloping roofs were both aesthetically pleasing and structurally sound, as well as finding the right balance between traditional and modern design elements.
We decided to submit our design to an international design competition as a way to showcase our work and to gain recognition for our design philosophy.
During the designing of this work, we learned the importance of collaboration and the value of incorporating feedback from stakeholders and end-users.
One thing we would like to highlight is our commitment to sustainability and energy efficiency in all of our designs. We believe that architecture has a significant impact on the environment, and we strive to minimize that impact by using sustainable materials and methods in our projects.
Grand Interview about Mijan Holiday House
The fusion of traditional sloping roofs with modern architectural elements in Mijan Holiday House emerged from our shared desire to create a dialogue between past and present. Our creative process began with an exploration of local architectural heritage, where sloping roofs hold both functional and cultural significance. By integrating these traditional forms with contemporary materials and techniques, we aimed to design a space that respects its roots while embracing innovation. This harmonious blend was refined through collaborative sketches and models, allowing us to visualize how these elements could coexist in a cohesive design. The result is a structure that feels both familiar and forward-thinking, inviting guests to experience the best of both worlds.
Our decision to make the wooden sloping roof a central feature of Mijan Holiday House was inspired by the need to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with the natural surroundings. We wanted the roof not only to serve as a protective element but also as a statement of comfort and elegance. The choice of wood was significant; it evokes feelings of coziness and connects the home to the lush landscape that envelops it. By emphasizing the roof's slope, we aimed to draw the eye upward, enhancing the home’s presence against the skyline while ensuring that the interior remains intimate and relaxing.
The rainy environment of the region played a crucial role in our material choices and structural decisions for Mijan Holiday House. We selected a steel structure for its durability and resistance to corrosion, ensuring that the home withstands local weather conditions over time. Additionally, the standing seam roof was implemented for its effectiveness in shedding water, minimizing the risk of leaks and damage. This choice enhances the building's longevity while complementing the aesthetic of the sloping roof, maintaining a sleek and modern silhouette.
Balancing the fluid corner shapes and warm interior elements with the bold exterior of Mijan Holiday House required a thoughtful approach in our design collaboration. We aimed to create a visual and experiential contrast that invites exploration. The exterior’s strong lines and angles establish a powerful presence, while the interior elements, such as rounded corners and soft textures, offer a sense of comfort and tranquility. This duality was achieved through careful material selection and spatial planning, allowing each area to evoke different feelings and experiences while maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic.
Combining solid forms with sloping roofs while adhering to strict height limitations was a significant challenge we faced during the development of Mijan Holiday House. We approached this by employing creative design strategies, such as using cantilevered elements that extend the usable space without increasing the overall height. This innovative technique allows for a dynamic interplay between solid and sloping forms, creating a visually engaging structure that feels larger than it is. Additionally, we focused on optimizing the interior layout to ensure spaciousness, even within the constraints imposed by local regulations.
The design of large picture windows in Mijan Holiday House was guided by our desire to enhance the relationship between the interior and exterior spaces. By aligning the windows with the sloping roof, we aimed to create a sense of continuity and fluidity that encourages natural light to flow into the home. This transparency not only frames the beautiful views outside but also brings the surrounding landscape into the living spaces, blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors. The strategic placement of these windows fosters an immersive experience, allowing residents to feel connected to nature at all times.
The second conventional area in Mijan Holiday House was designed to elevate the viewer's perspective, offering a unique vantage point to appreciate the surrounding landscape. We aimed to create a spatial experience that invites visitors to engage with their environment differently. By incorporating elevated platforms and strategically placed seating, this area provides an opportunity for reflection and enjoyment of the scenic views. Our design encourages interaction with nature, fostering a deeper connection to the site and enhancing the overall experience of the home.
Mijan Holiday House reflects the evolution of our studio's design philosophy by embodying a harmonious blend of modern innovation and local traditions. This project represents a pivotal moment in our work, where we sought to integrate contemporary architectural practices with cultural context. The design emphasizes sustainability and respect for the environment while pushing the boundaries of traditional forms. This balance is crucial as it honors local heritage while setting a precedent for future designs that aspire to be both innovative and culturally resonant.
The seamless integration of Mijan Holiday House with its surroundings was achieved through a deliberate design strategy that extends the sloping roof to the ground. By creating this connection, we aimed to establish a visual and physical relationship between the structure and its landscape. This approach not only enhances the futuristic form of the building but also reinforces its role within the environment, creating a sense of belonging. The extended roof acts as a protective canopy, inviting nature to become an integral part of the home's experience while providing shade and shelter.
As Silver A' Design Award recipients, we envision Mijan Holiday House influencing future architectural approaches to holiday homes by highlighting the importance of climate-responsive design. This project showcases how thoughtful integration of local materials and sustainable practices can create spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional in challenging environments. By demonstrating innovative solutions, such as the sloping roof and durable materials, we hope to inspire architects to prioritize environmental considerations in their work. Ultimately, Mijan Holiday House stands as a testament to the potential for holiday homes to harmonize with their surroundings while enhancing the overall experience for occupants.