Unche Studio

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Bālākhāneh“Balakhaneh,” derived from the Farsi term meaning an additional dwelling unit built on the rooftop, presents an architectural endeavor that reshapes a rooftop apartment in Tehran. This project focuseson the renovation of a compact flat within a 1970s building, part of a series of flats granted permission to be built on the rooftops in Tehran during the 1980s. The apartment occupies 170 sqm of a 240 sqm roof, with the remaining 70 sqm dedicated to an extensive terrace. With a deep understanding of the client’s unique requirements, including a desire for openness  and luminosity, the redesign offers a transformative solution that emphasizes brightness, transparency, and spatial continuity in crafting a remarkable living experience within “Balakhaneh”. 

Purchased in 2021 by a couple who frequently travel to Iran to visit their family and friends, the apartment serves as their sanctuary in Tehran. Seeking a harmonious balance between living and workspace during the day, and a space for vibrant soirées and gatherings at night, the couple’s vision reflects their passion for an adaptable and inviting home. 

The redesign of the apartment centers around the strategic reconfiguration of space to maximize openness and functionality. The removal of internal walls and the creation of a new open-plan layout were key elements in promoting visual continuity and a sense of spaciousness. This transformation involved converting the three-room flat into a more expansive two-room design, meticulously crafted to seamlessly integrate with the existing architectural fabric. Overcoming the structural challenges posed by the rooftop construction, Unche studio implemented lightweight partitions and judicious material choices, ensuring the apartment maintains structural integrity.
Area: 240 sq.m.
2022



Material selection plays a vital role in enhancing the apartment’s atmosphere, promoting lightness, and establishing a cohesive aesthetic. A predominantly white color palette creates an expansive and open ambience, while a range of carefully chosen blue tones emerges as a growing entity within this expansive whiteness. These shades of blue, thoughtfully integrated into the light-colored walls and monochrome materials, add depth and tranquility to the space. The interplay of white and varying shades of blue fosters a serene ambiance, where natural light thrives and a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor realms is realized.

Light, transparency, and spatial continuity serve as guiding principles in crafting a remarkable living experience within “Balakhaneh.” Abundant openings and thoughtful sightlines maximize natural light penetration, infusing the apartment with a luminous ambiance. The composition of multidimensional lines and surfaces fosters a sense of interconnectedness, inviting occupants to traverse the space with ease. The carefully selected combination of bench seating, glass partitions, and strip walls effectively defines functional zones while maintaining an uninterrupted flow of light and visual connectivity.

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