Project
Whispers of the Wind: Reviving a Century-Old Haven
Category
Best Project of Residential or Mixed-Use Estate
About the project (provided by the applicant)
In Rostami village, southern Iran, Whispers of the Wind transforms a century-old house into a retreat rooted in Persian heritage. Around a central courtyard with a shahneshin and rooms featuring three- and five-door windows, it offers a technology-free stay for calm, authentic living. Windcatchers replace electric cooling, while wells—reimagined as qanats—supply water beside gardens and a hearth, evoking the balance of water, earth, wind, and fire. Lantern light and minimalist design replace electricity. Carved wooden doors, mirrored niches in the vestibule, and reed shades on iwans honor Iran’s craft. By night, lanterns illuminate qanats and gardens, shaping a serene atmosphere. Inspired by the idea of “a space to breathe,” the project revives history, easing modern pressures and offering a haven where visitors reconnect with heritage and tranquility — a sanctuary for stepping away from modern life and reconnecting with nature.
Location
Rosami village, Bushehr Province, Iran
Project design year
2025
Extra visual materials
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1lagRRzZHnPvv_vnCfiyWol1mWfeg6uwj?usp=sharing
Applicant
Arezoo Esmaeili
I am Arezoo Esmaili, an architect passionate about restoring spaces, particularly traditional Iranian architecture. With over 3 years of experience in design and restoration, I led the “Whispers of the Wind” project in Rostami Village to create a technology-free retreat that revives Persian culture. My goal is to blend heritage with modern needs while providing a space for tranquility
Author of the project
Arezoo Esmaeili
Visualization
Arezoo Esmaeili
Status of the project
Conceptual design
