Traditional windows transform the facade of Tehran apartment building into art

Orsi Khaneh by Keivani Architects

1 of 10

For this apartment building in Tehran, Iranian architecture firm Keivani Architects designed a beautiful facade dominated by a modern version of the traditional Orsi window. Part of a slatted timber facade, the sash windows with latticed woodwork and colored glass control the amount of natural lighting entering the interior and transform the building into a beautiful urban canvas.

Orsi Khaneh by Keivani Architects

2 of 10

The seven-story building features a facade constructed heat-treated timber inset with stained glass and vegetation.

Orsi Khaneh by Keivani Architects

3 of 10

In addition to its role in controlling solar intake, the facade has a decorative quality that combines natural materials, color and transparency.

Orsi Khaneh by Keivani Architects

4 of 10

The patterned facade references some of Iran's iconic traditional residences, while functioning as a high-performance element that reduces heat buildup.

Orsi Khaneh by Keivani Architects

5 of 10

"Economic limitations, authorities and municipality potentially can be counted as a strict limitation to a project," said the architects. "But we tried to use these factors as a motivator to design and make the building with propitious, recyclable, and native materials."