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Residential complex featuring cascading terraces and biophilic design with integrated solar panels and traditional Portuguese tiles

Author:
Louis Dams
Residential complex featuring cascading terraces and biophilic design with integrated solar panels and traditional Portuguese tiles

Project in-detail

This residential complex seamlessly integrates cascading gardens, reflective waters, and a commitment to sustainability through features like solar panels and traditional Portuguese tiles, creating a modern haven that honors its rich cultural heritage.
5 key facts about this project
01
- The design incorporates cascading gardens that mimic traditional Persian garden layouts, enhancing biodiversity and ecological balance.
02
A central reflective pond serves both as an aesthetic feature and a functional element in the site's water management system.
03
Solar panels are strategically integrated into the architecture to promote energy efficiency while maintaining visual harmony with the structure.
04
Wooden lamellae on the façade provide unique shading solutions, offering both aesthetics and functional climate control.
05
The communal areas, including a library and dining room, open directly onto the gardens, fostering social interaction and connectivity among residents.
The Paridaida Project is a thoughtfully conceived architectural design that integrates contemporary living with elements inspired by traditional Persian gardens. This project stands as a testament to how modern architecture can skillfully blend functionality, aesthetic appeal, and sustainability. With a keen focus on the relationship between built environments and nature, Paridaida exemplifies a design approach that values both community and individual experience.

At its core, the project serves as a residential complex comprising 39 apartments, all carefully designed to enhance the quality of life for their occupants. The layout accommodates diverse living preferences, with unit sizes ranging from 45 m² to 60 m². Each apartment is configured to maximize natural light and create a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Large windows and balconies invite sunlight and fresh air, reflecting a commitment to creating healthy living environments.

An essential feature of the Paridaida Project is its cascading gardens. Inspired by the layout of historic Persian gardens, these green spaces emphasize the importance of nature in urban living. The garden design incorporates multiple levels, interspersed with terraces and pathways that facilitate interaction with plant life and water features. These gardens are not merely aesthetic additions but serve a functional role in promoting biodiversity and providing residents with a tranquil retreat from the urban landscape.

Water plays a significant role in the overall design, with a central pond acting as a reflective pool that enhances the garden's calm atmosphere. This feature is integrated into a comprehensive water management system that emphasizes sustainability. Through the reuse and recycling of water, the project not only conserves resources but also provides a biophilic element that nurtures both flora and fauna.

Aside from individual apartments, the project includes communal spaces that foster social interaction among residents. Ground-level amenities such as a dining room, library, and chapel are designed to encourage community engagement, reflecting an understanding of the importance of shared spaces in contemporary living. These areas benefit from direct access to the gardens, reinforcing connections between residents and their environment.

The choice of materials in Paridaida is another area of significance. The project employs concrete for its structural integrity, while marble contributes to luxurious surface finishes. Wooden lamellae provide warmth and texture to the façade, facilitating natural ventilation and light regulation. The inclusion of Portuguese tiles adds intricate detail that pays homage to traditional craftsmanship, enhancing the architectural narrative.

One of the distinguishing factors of the Paridaida Project is its commitment to sustainability. The integration of 180 solar panels underscores its dedication to energy efficiency, while the strategic landscaping minimizes heat absorption and promotes cooling through natural processes. This alignment of architectural design with environmental considerations presents a mature response to contemporary challenges surrounding energy consumption and climate change.

Unique design strategies can be observed in how the structure interacts with its surroundings. The topographical considerations in planning ensure that views from the apartments are maximized, creating a dialogue between the built form and the natural landscape. By carefully placing vistas throughout the site, the design enhances the spatial experience of residents, adding layers of depth and connection to the environment.

In summary, the Paridaida Project is a comprehensive architectural endeavor that addresses the pressing needs of modern urban living while honoring traditional design principles. Its dedication to sustainability, community, and architectural integrity presents a formidable model for future developments. Readers interested in exploring this project are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a deeper understanding of the innovative ideas that inform its creation.
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The Architect’s 
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The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

Microhome

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € PRIZE FUND / KINGPSAN EDITION #10 IDEAS COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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