Our client based in Brazil with Persian roots wants to realize her dream villa on a plot of land in Rio de Janeiro, overlooking the harbor of Ipanema. In a conversation with the owner the basic idea of the object became apparent: The transformation of the Persian tradition to modernity and the physical movement to Rio de Janeiro. As an inspiration traditional Persian atrium houses were used. In the center of this building water surfaces naturally regulate the interior climate. The dialogue between tradition and modernity starts with an ancient Persian ornament, which determines the shape of the villa. The ornament appears in both the second and the third dimension in the outer shape of the villa. On the one hand, the plan of the building reflects the ornament; on the other hand, the facade is covered by the ornament. Moreover, the pattern appears in an interlacing in the third dimension. The basic structure of the villa is characterized by individual levels that open to each other, but create zones due to differences in levels. The staircase connecting all levels by framing the center zone of the building is free-floating. The core zone in the form of a water area constitutes the center of the building.The visitors reach the residence through an alley. In the foyer you enter the house over stones embedded in shallow water. From here the view extends to the spacious living and dining area as well as through the villa to the outer area where you see the harbor. Left hand the individual areas open in steps upward. Adjacent are kitchen and bar, open to the next level, the living area and terrace. From the subjacent basement a lift from the carport leads directly into this area. The first terrace has access to a private patio. Aside is the living area with fireplace, library and bar. From all areas, a direct view of the harbor is possible. The highest point of the building is the party area and bar terrace with an expanse of water. The bar area of the party terrace and that of the living area are separated by a section of the facade, which is translucent and serves as a shelf for the two bars. All exterior surfaces are covered with sun sails to provide shade. From the private dining terrace there is an outside staircase to the pool area and a springboard to the pool. From the entrance area to the right you are led to the deeper zones: Two children’s rooms with its own bathroom adjoin a room for the nanny with another integrated bath room. Below you find the master bedroom with its spacious walk-in closet, spa, and private garden access. The bottom level includes a bar, fitness facilities and a spa area with its own pool, as well as the guest area with a private bedroom. Here is a direct exit to a roofed terrace, which serves as a outdoor living room. Here we are on the pool level. Starting from the entrance area, the zones turn up more and more to public areas, while the left hand is defined by more and more private zones. Serving as a bracket the pool area, however, again unites both sectors. By using an ornament in the skin of the building numerous light and shadow effects set in. The waterfall down to the central water area also forms the back wall of the pool house. The roofs of the building are planted between the ornaments and act natural as the garden and the surrounding countryside. Image credits: Teodora Radeva, Beluga & Toechter.