Value Engineering & Post-Completion Support
Saman No.409 is a rare example of how adaptive design, thoughtful planning, and personal vision can breathe new life into a mid-century structure. This modern duplex marries flexibility with clarity, technology with warmth, and customization with restraint—delivering a home that’s built for both daily life and elegant transformation.
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The apartment was designed in a crisp, modern white palette with layered textures. All bathrooms were clad in large-format stone slabs with integrated vanities and concealed fixtures. Flooring alternated between engineered hardwood and natural stone, depending on functional zones. The kitchen was finished with black matte cabinetry, brushed stainless steel countertops, and built-in high-end appliances. A custom stainless steel dining table was fabricated for the space, paired with a restored 1940s American leather couch set. Balconies were upgraded with custom-built flower boxes, smart irrigation systems, and concealed drainage. Light fixtures were selected and imported specifically for the project, carefully zoned and layered to highlight key features while keeping the visual environment calm.
The apartment was fully gutted to expose its raw concrete shell. The upper floor was transformed into a generous master suite, featuring a double-shower bathroom, walk-in closet, and a flexible room with sliding partitions that could function as a TV lounge, guest room, or office. A second bathroom was added upstairs for convenience. The main floor was restructured to feature an open-plan kitchen with a concealed panel system, allowing it to be fully hidden when desired. All windows were replaced with floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors, merging the interior with the outdoor terraces. A cast-in-place concrete staircase became a sculptural anchor, connecting both levels. The architectural language focused on minimalism, utility, and timelessness, designed to age gracefully and adapt over time.
The age of the building presented numerous challenges. All internal systems—plumbing, electrical, HVAC, windows, and doors—were replaced. Flooring required full leveling and screeding due to inconsistencies in the original slab. Material handling and debris removal were complicated by the duplex’s vertical layout and limited access, requiring coordinated phasing and compact deliveries. The movable wall systems and concealed kitchen partition added mechanical complexity, which was resolved through custom hardware and precise millwork. Exterior planter boxes with smart irrigation had to be integrated without impacting waterproofing or structure, requiring detailed coordination between trades. The result is a high-functioning, contemporary space built within the constraints of an aging shell.
Vandad Ghooparanloo is a renowned professional engineer dedicated to the rehabilitation of historical buildings. Graduating with honors in civil and architectural engineering from a prestigious Canadian university in 2009, Vandad began his career in heavy construction, specializing in tunneling. He obtained his Professional Engineers Ontario certification in 2014, marking his competence and dedication in engineering.
Driven by a passion for historical preservation, Vandad moved to Iran in 2015. There, he collaborated with architects and engineers on a wide range of projects including high-rise buildings, museums, cafes, and offices. In 2016, he founded Vandad Development, focusing on design and renovation. His remarkable work on the Argo Museum earned the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2019, showcasing his skill in blending historical integrity with modern standards.
Vandad’s commitment to quality and innovation has earned him industry accolades and affiliations with prestigious organizations such as the Tunneling Association of Canada and the Middle Eastern Society of Engineers and Architects. His career exemplifies a unique blend of engineering expertise and cultural preservation.
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Saman Resident 605
