Shabtab Residential, In the dense urban fabric of Qeytarieh, Tehran, the Shabtab project emerged during a moment in time when the need for in-between spaces, soft thresholds between home and city, became more tangible than ever. Here, the balcony was no longer treated as a mere void puncturing the façade, but as the project’s central core—as a continuous, powerful, and integrated object shaping the building’s identity.
© Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh
The building consists of ten residential units, organized as two apartments per floor, each fully equipped with modern amenities to support contemporary urban life. Every unit is granted its own balcony—not a symbolic appendage but a functional extension of the interior, large enough for seating, dining, or simply enjoying the changing light and seasons. These outdoor rooms become daily destinations for residents, offering a private corner of openness within the density of the city.
© Ali Zanjani
The balconies merge deep planters—capable of hosting mature trees—with delicate metal railings stitched together through horizontal and vertical steel profiles. Acting as a “prosthesis” to the main volume, they extend beyond function, becoming a living, green layer that engages both the interior life of the residents and the urban streetscape. Each flower box carries a distinct tree species, creating a rhythm of variation across the façade. This diversity is not ornamental but conceptual: by assigning each unit its own living tree, the design reinforces a sense of belonging and identity for the residents, a reminder that their home is marked by a unique presence within the whole
© Ali Zanjani
A deliberate contrast in color and material reinforces the conceptual shift. Here, the greenery is not decoration but a mediator between public and private, granting the residents both protection and serenity, while offering the city a façade that breathes.
Project Info
Architects:STUDIO SAHEB
Country: Iran, Tehran
Area: 3100 m²
Year: 2025
Photographs: Mohammad Hassan Ettefagh,Ali Zanjani
Design Team: Raha Badieitabar
Technical Team: Farid Saheb
General Contractor: Mehdi Eskandari
Anastasia Andreieva is an accomplished Architectural Projects Editor at Arch2O, bringing a unique blend of linguistic expertise and design enthusiasm to the team. Born and raised in Ukraine, she holds a Master’s degree in Languages from Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv. Her deep passion for architecture and visual storytelling led her to transition from translation and editorial roles into the world of design media. With a keen eye for conceptual clarity and narrative structure, Anastasia curates and presents global architectural projects with precision and flair. She is particularly drawn to parametric and digital design, cultural context, and emerging voices in architecture. When I’m not analyzing the latest architectural trends, you’ll probably find me searching for hidden gems in cityscapes or appreciating the beauty of well-crafted spaces. After all, great design—like great connections—can be found in the most unexpected places. Speaking of connections, because architecture isn’t the only thing that brings people together.