Manj House is located in the village of Bavanat, near Shiraz. From the outset, the project was conceived with the intention of embedding itself within the existing rural fabric while simultaneously responding to the requirements of contemporary living. Rather than asserting itself as an autonomous object, the house seeks continuity with the spatial, cultural, and material logic of its context.

The spatial organization is articulated through four primary volumes, recalling the traditional Iranian distinction between andaruni and biruni. These volumes are arranged around a small central courtyard that functions as the heart of the house.

More than an open void, the courtyard enhances spatial quality by facilitating natural light, ventilation, and visual continuity between interior spaces, while establishing a calm, introverted atmosphere characteristic of vernacular architecture.

Material selection was guided by principles of locality, simplicity, and environmental responsiveness. Stone, wood, and plaster—materials readily available in the region—were employed to ensure harmony with the surrounding landscape and built environment. Stone, in particular, plays a dual role: it anchors the house to the ground and the natural context, and, due to its high thermal mass, contributes significantly to the building’s environmental performance and thermal stability within the climatic conditions of Shiraz. Wood and plaster further enrich the interiors, introducing warmth, tactility, and a human scale.

Ultimately, Manj House is conceived not as a foreign insertion, but as a contemporary continuation of the village’s architectural spirit. It offers a model for present-day habitation rooted in local identity—an architecture that is contextually grounded, environmentally responsive, and resilient over time.