General Information

Project Name: Echo box

Architecture Firm: BMDesign Studios (BMDS)

Firm Location: Iran/ Tehran

Completion Year: 2020

Project location: Tehran

Designer: Babak Mostofi Sadri

Fabrication: Mr. Khalaji

Photo credits:  Soha Khazaei Poul

This 700-square-meter rooftop garden offers a serene escape for sunbathing and evening gatherings beneath the canopy of large willow trees, providing a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our design aimed to create a shaded area with a strong sense of enclosure, ensuring intimacy and tranquility.

With fewer environmental constraints related to light, we had more flexibility in choosing plant species, but the existing design posed limitations on what we could alter. To ensure that the large willow trees, which will eventually dominate the roof garden, had ample space to grow, we raised the flower beds accordingly.

General Information

Project Name: Niavaran roof garden

Architecture Firm: BMDesign Studios, Babak Mostofi Sadri

Firm Location: Iran/ Tehran

Completion Year: 2020

Gross Built Area: 700 square meters yard,

Project location: Tehran

Lead Landscape Architects: Babak Mostofi Sadri

Design Team: Fattaneh Khalili, Nahid Rastegar

Photo credits:  Negar Agha Ali Tari

Photographer’s e-mail: Tarinegar@gmail.com

Planting contractor: Mr Alipour

Clients: Abadsazan Iran

Design delivery Architect & Interior Designer: Hamed Soltani

Client’s project manager: Amir Akbarpur

In 2019, Abadsazan entrusted us with the redesign of the landscape surrounding their flagship tower in Tehran’s prestigious Niavaran district. Our vision focused on preserving the existing vegetation and weaving the new landscape design seamlessly into the area’s natural character.

Nestled at the foothills of the Alborz Mountains, Niavaran has long enjoyed a cooler, pleasant climate during Tehran’s hot summers, attracting affluent residents seeking a tranquil retreat. Just a few decades ago, the district was dotted with lush orchards and elegant villa homes—now a rarity, as rapid urban expansion has consumed much of its green heritage.

By the time we joined the project, the tower and significant portions of the hardscape had already been completed, as our involvement began during the final stages of construction. The project came with a number of constraints. Large sections of the landscape, particularly the roof garden, had been built according to a pre-existing plan and could not be modified. In addition, we were required to work with materials that had already been procured, leaving little flexibility over their color, texture, and overall character.

The project’s urban context presented further challenges. Surrounded by high-rise residential towers, the site received limited sunlight, restricting the planting palette largely to shade-tolerant species. Budget and time constraints, common to many residential developments, added another layer of complexity.

Perhaps the greatest challenge was integrating a new landscape vision with an existing collection of trees that had been planted without a coherent strategy and had suffered from inadequate maintenance during construction. While preserving these mature trees was a priority, their condition and irregular placement made the establishment of a unified planting composition particularly demanding.

Rather than treating these limitations as obstacles, we approached them as design parameters. Our goal was to bring coherence and identity to the landscape through careful planting, spatial organization, and a restrained design language that could unify the existing and new elements into a cohesive whole.

Existing design

The first step we took was to assess the existing design, which allocated most of the yard to paved surfaces and confined greenery to a series of relatively small planting beds arranged around the existing trees.

Our proposal

We successfully persuaded our client to allow us to merge the fragmented green beds into a single, expansive planting area stretching across the full width of the site facing the tower. This transformation allowed the remnants of what was once a lush orchard to reestablish a visual and symbolic dialogue with the building and its new residents.

To define the boundary between the green space and the paved area, we introduced a sinuous, serpent-shaped seating wall. In the prehistoric cultures of Iran, serpents were revered as powerful guardians—symbols of life, immortality, fertility, water, and prosperity. Even today, the image of a treasure protected by a snake remains deeply rooted in collective memory.

Drawing on this rich symbolism, we designed the serpent-like wall not only as a functional seating element but also as a metaphorical protector—guarding what we believe to be the heart of the residence: the preserved green space.

We also incorporated a lawn within this area, creating a versatile open space suitable for various activities such as dog walking and casual play. The lawn gently transitions into a shaded seating area, surrounded by shade-tolerant plants, flowering species, and trees—offering a quiet retreat within the limited greenery.

This seating zone was deliberately shaped to resemble a tongue extending from the building into the green space—a subtle, symbolic gesture. It suggests that in the ongoing struggle between urban development and nature, the building always finds a way to assert dominance.

Due to existing infrastructure constraints, integrating water features was not feasible, as the utility systems could not be modified at that stage of construction.

Entrance

Designing the building entrance presented a significant challenge, as it had to reconcile two levels with sharply contrasting slopes: a steep road with a 10% incline and a moderately sloped pedestrian walkway at around 2%. Complicating matters further, we had minimal space to work with and were limited to travertine slabs—an inflexible material compared to concrete.

Our solution was a thoughtful combination of ramps and steps: ramps were used adjacent to the sloping road to facilitate smooth transitions, while steps addressed the elevation changes where needed. The entrance area was divided into three key zones: vehicular access and parking entry, pedestrian access and main entry, and a welcoming green space with a flowerbed.

The generous height and width of the entrance not only resolved functional constraints but also gave the space a sense of elegance and prominence—setting the tone for the entire residence.

Backyard

In the fully shaded backyard, we created another green focal point, accompanied by a seating wall that gradually widens at one end—forming a semi-circular space where groups can sit together near the coffee shop. Though relatively compact at 1,000 square meters, the yard serves multiple purposes: it’s a space for residents to gather, play, walk, and relax. Seating options are thoughtfully distributed throughout the landscape—near the coffee shop, within the green areas, and in the open yard in front of the lobby.

To ensure visual harmony, we aligned all landscape lines with the architectural geometry of the building, reinforcing cohesion throughout the entire design.

Plant Palette

A diverse mix of shade-tolerant and ornamental species was selected to enrich the landscape with seasonal color, texture, and structure. Some of the key plants used in this project include:

Cornus sanguinea, Ophiopogon jaburan, Daphne odora, Canna indica, Nandina domestica, Phormium tenax, Juniperus horizontalis, Yucca spp., Acer negundo, and Aucuba japonica.

[1] Taheri, Sadreddin (2015). “Inversion of a Symbol’s concept”. Tehran: Honarhay-e Ziba Journal, Vol. 20, No. 3.

Gallery/ Design process:

General Information

Project Name: Serpent

Landscape Architecture Firm: BMDesign Studios, Babak Mostofi Sadri

Website: https://bmdesignstudios.com/

Contact e-mail: info@bmdesignstudios.com

Firm Location: Iran/ Tehran

Completion Year: 2020

Gross Built Area:

1000 square meters yard,

Project location: Tehran

Lead Landscape Architect: Babak Mostofi Sadri

Design Team: Fattaneh Khalili, Nahid Rastegar

Photo credits:  Negar Agha Ali Tari , Babak M Sadri               

Photographer’s website: http://www.negartari.com/

Photographer’s e-mail: Tarinegar@gmail.com

Planting contractor: Mr Alipour

Clients: Abadsazan Iran

Design delivery architect & interior designer: Hamed Soltani

Client’s project manager: Amir Akbarpur

Concepts:

Old and New Master Plan Comparison:

We preserved and enhanced the existing urban grid—the city’s registered municipality plan—by transforming it into linear parks in the shape of a cross. These parks create a continuous public domain for the 3-hectare Villa Complex. This historical layer forms a central green space that unites all areas of the development, establishing a strong connection to both the surrounding environment and the riverside.

PROJECT INFO:

Architecture Firm: BMDesign Studios, Babak Mostofi Sadri

Office Website: www.Bmdesignstudios.Com

Completion Year: 2013

Built Area: 5000 Square Meters

Project Location: Tehran, Kordan

Type: Residential

Client: Mr.& Mrs. Zomorodi

Lead Designer: Babak Mostofi Sadri

Design Team: Nahid Rastegar, Soha K. Poul

Model: Fatemeh Monfared

Manufacturers / Products: Amir Nursery

Project achievements:

1. Reduced Carbon Footprint Through Passive Cooling
   The project employs a sustainable double-layered roof system to significantly reduce energy consumption for cooling. The upper “dish” layer shades the main roof beneath, preventing direct sunlight while allowing airflow between the layers—naturally ventilating the structure during hot summers.

2. Raising Awareness on Water Scarcity and Climate Change
   By visibly integrating rain and dew harvesting technologies into the architecture, the project highlights urgent global issues such as water shortage and global warming, sparking conversations and awareness through design.

3. Nesting Bowls: Maximizing Dew Harvesting Efficiency
   The concave, bowl-shaped roof design expands the dew collection surface by nearly six times compared to a conventional flat roof, greatly enhancing atmospheric water capture in dry, humid zones.

4. Creating a Strong Urban Identity
   The bowl-shaped roofs are designed to be modular and repeatable across rooftops, offering not only environmental benefits but also contributing to a coherent and memorable urban character—a visual identity rooted in both function and form.

5. Rainwater Harvesting Potential
   With an estimated annual rainfall of 193mm and an efficiency rate of 60% (based on Brad Lancaster’s dryland RWH models), one concave roof system measuring 923 m² can collect approximately 106 cubic meters of clean rainwater annually.

   Formula Used:

Rain Harvest (m³) = Catchment Area (m²) × Rainfall Depth (m) × Efficiency

923 × 0.193 × 0.60 ≈ 106 m³ Rain Harvest

1. Sunken Courtyard Architecture
   Classrooms, offices, and libraries are organized around traditional sunken courtyards, inspired by desert cities such as Yazd and Nain. This approach traps cooler night air, reducing daytime cooling needs. Recessed openings further control solar gain, enhancing indoor thermal comfort.

2. Integration of Date Palms
   Strategically planted date palms provide seasonal shade to the concave roofs, support passive cooling, enhance spatial enclosure, and supply fruit—demonstrating the fusion of ecological performance with cultural context.

1. Concave Roofs / Rain-Harvesting Bowls

Rain Harvesting & Shading
Rain falls at speeds up to 10 meters per second. In heavy rains, droplets quickly combine to form flowing streams on surfaces. However, in light rainfall, these droplets often evaporate before they can accumulate. By employing steep, concave bowl-shaped roofs, we enhance the movement and collection of even the smallest droplets—guiding them to integrate and flow toward collection points.

These large outer bowls not only facilitate water harvesting but also provide essential shade for the roof below. This double-layered system allows for natural ventilation, cooling both the concave shell and the main roof, significantly reducing indoor temperatures in hot climates.

Dew Harvesting
Inspired by the Fog-Basking Beetle of the Namib Desert—an insect that collects water by condensing fog on its smooth back—our concave roof surfaces act in a similar way. The bowls’ smooth, cool surfaces encourage dew condensation, and their geometry directs the moisture down to be collected efficiently. This allows the building to passively harvest atmospheric moisture, even in arid conditions.

2. Sunken Courtyard Buildings

Passive Cooling & Radiant Night Cooling
Traditional desert architecture has long embraced courtyard buildings for their natural ability to retain cooler air. In our design, we take this a step further by employing sunken courtyards that sit below ground level, where the air is cooler and more stable. These enclosed spaces trap cold air at night, reducing ambient temperature for the entire building during the day.

Additionally, the open exposure of the roof to the cold night sky enables radiant cooling—further lowering the temperature of the concave roofs and accelerating dew formation during the early morning hours.

As morning sunlight filters through the large glass window, it scatters luminous patterns into the air, imbuing the central void with a serene sense of grandeur.

Nestled in the lush, green foothills of the northern Iranian mountains, Villa Modern Gali offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the region’s traditional homes, known as “Galipoush-Khaneh.”

It offers a variety of semi-open spaces, promoting natural ventilation throughout the home.

COMPARISON OF THE OLD, AND THE MODERN

Villa Modern Gali
Contemporary Reinterpretation of Traditional Iranian Architecture

Nestled in the lush, green foothills of northern Iran, Villa Modern Gali offers a contemporary reinterpretation of the region’s traditional homes, known as “Galipoush-Khaneh.” This design seamlessly integrates with the natural landscape, providing a harmonious blend of modern living and traditional architectural elements.​

Design Philosophy
The villa embraces a multi-disciplinary approach, incorporating architecture, landscape architecture, lighting design, and engineering. This collaborative methodology ensures effective coordination across all disciplines, resulting in a cohesive and high-quality design. The use of in-house expertise fosters a common working practice, enhancing the overall project execution.​

Sustainable Architecture
A key feature of the villa is its sustainable design, which includes the innovative use of concave roofs. These double-layered, steeply sloped roofs collect rainwater and morning dew, contributing to the building’s water supply and reducing reliance on external sources. This approach aligns with BMDesign Studios’ commitment to sustainable practices and environmental stewardship.​

Interior and Landscape Integration
The villa’s interior spaces are designed to maintain a visual relationship with the surrounding green areas, enhancing the connection between indoor and outdoor environments. The landscape design complements the architecture, creating a cohesive living experience that celebrates the natural beauty of the site.​

in short
Villa Modern Gali exemplifies BMDesign Studios’ dedication to innovative, sustainable, and contextually sensitive architecture. By reimagining traditional forms through a modern lens, the villa offers a unique living experience that honors the past while embracing the future.

PROJECT INFO:

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AREA: 660 SQM

LEAD DESIGNER: BABAK MOSTOFI  SADRI

DESIGN TEAM: ZAHRA NOORI, DENA LEVI BAKHTIARI, FATEMEH MONFARED

DETAIL DESIGN: ZAHRA NOORI

STRUCTURE: ALI KARAMI

MEP: FARHAD AHMADI GROUP

CLIENT: FARHAD JAVAN

MODEL: DENA LEVI BAKHTIARI

STATUS: UNDER CONSTRUCTION

The larger room serves as a vibrant space for watching TV and playing computer games, perfect for gatherings with friends and family. In contrast, the smaller room is designed as a peaceful retreat, ideal for sleeping and meditation, with views of a cozy walled courtyard that enhances the sense of tranquility and privacy. This thoughtful division of space creates a harmonious balance between social and personal areas.

BEFORE/AFTER PHOTO

PROJECT INFO:

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LEAD DESIGNER: BABAK M SADRI

DESIGN TEAM: ZAHRA NOORI, DENA LEVI BAKHTIARI

3D MODELING : BMDESIGN STUDIOS

CLIENT: SHAHRIAR ESHRAGHINIA