Revitalizing tradition: renovation of the Soup Chi restaurant

Soup Chi Restaurant, designed by HOM Architects, is located at the beginning of Sattar Khan Street, near Tohid Square in TehranThe project includes the renovation of a 40-year-old building that presented several challenges due to its outdated construction. One of the biggest issues was a central row of metal columns that started at the building’s facade and extended through the middle of the interior, disrupting both the facade and the building’s interior layout. restaurant.

In addition, the original building design, which complied with the building regulations of the time, called for a 1.5-metre wide cantilever on the upper floors, resulting in a recessed alcove and a split-level perspective on the ground floor. This resulted in a visually unappealing façade that lacked coherence.

all images by NIMKAT Studio

HOM Architects integrates traditional Iranian design

To meet these challenges, the architects decided to accept the building’s inherent flaws and transform them into defining elements of the design. They were inspired by the traditional Iranian architectural pattern “Se-Dari”, which features a series of arches. By adapting this pattern, the design integrates the placement of the disruptive columns into a coherent aesthetic. The arches were extended throughout the project, creating a rhythmic and unified visual language.

The entrance and interior spaces were further enhanced by modern interpretations of traditional elements, such as the use of muqarnas – a type of decorated vault – in the entrance portals and pillared halls. This approach not only addressed the structural problems but also brought a sense of cultural continuity to the design by blending traditional Iranian architectural motifs with contemporary design practices.

Soup Chi Restaurant by HOM Architects is located on Sattar Khan Street near Tohid Square in Tehran.

The project involved the renovation of a 40-year-old building with significant structural challenges

traditional Iranian “Se-Dari” bows inspired the design solution