In 2008, Abbas Riahi Fard and Farinaz Razavi Nikoo of RYRA Studio looked to explore the “interface between nature and architecture” with their design for Barin Ski Resort in Iran. Inspired by the resilient forms of igloos, the hotel appears as one with its environment, an inhabitable snow sculpture on the mountainside. Barin is located in the heart of mountain just about 1 kilometer from the Shemshak ski resort ,the second largest ski area in Iran after Dizin and about 55 minutes drive from Tehran. Here, nature is so impressive that the architects decided to take this as a demonstration project which investigates the interface between nature and architecture. This purpose of the project is to show new ideas that help in modifying the relation between architecture and nature without blindly repeating vernacular models or copying imported historical styles. This hotel seems to be amazing! Igloo-inspired, the resort’s rooms features walls that look like there is snow from the floor to the ceiling, tub, bed, table, sofa and chairs. This place is so unusual and let’s be honest, it shows us a side of Iran that most of us don’t expect.
