Floating Lake Architecture: A New Design Concept

A Floating Building Between Architecture and Nature

Imagine a building floating on water, a concept that feels delicate and dreamlike. This is precisely what Azadeh Hamedi achieved with the Aban Café-Gallery project, where the design invites you to question the boundaries between architecture and nature. The building is located on a tranquil lake, away from the city’s noise and bustling street corners, allowing the surrounding water to become part of the viewing experience. The reflections transform into a constantly changing artwork, freely enjoyed. When sunlight touches the building, shadows dance across the water’s surface in patterns that evolve over time, bringing the space to life.

Harmony with Natural Motion

It is evident that Hamedi dedicated time to studying the movement of water before designing the walls. The arches of the building resemble frozen waves, capturing the natural flow of the lake in a permanent form. This harmony between design and the natural scene reflects a deep understanding of the surrounding environmental forces, transforming the building into a natural extension of the embracing water.

Natural Materials and Fluid Form

The designer used natural materials and fluid forms that echo the gentle ripples of the lake, creating visual connections that feel inevitable rather than imposed. Away from sharp corners or bold architectural statements, the building whispers its presence through soft lines that integrate seamlessly with the language of water. In this way, the entire scene becomes a living collaboration between human design and the surrounding natural forces.

Interior Design: Retreat in Favor of Nature

Inside the Aban Café-Gallery, the design takes a step back to let the lake take center stage. White and gold tones add a subtle warmth to the space without competing with the stunning water views. The large glass walls act as natural frames, yet the true artwork here is nature itself, constantly changing throughout the day: morning light creates a serene mood, afternoon sunlight energizes the scene, and evening reflections offer an entirely different experience. Visitors are given front-row seats to this daily natural performance without tickets or restrictions.

The Philosophy Behind the Space

Hamedi designed this place to be more than just a café or an art gallery; it invites visitors to adopt a rhythm different from the usual daily rush. The open terrace extends this philosophy outward, giving people the opportunity to linger longer with their drinks while observing the changing patterns of the water around them.

Balance Between Nature and Human Creativity

Inside the building, carefully selected artworks add a touch of human creativity, creating layers of visual interest alongside the beauty of nature. Every design decision, from color choices to material selection and the arrangement of artworks, seems aimed at slowing the pace of visitors, encouraging them to engage with the space with deliberation and contemplation.

A Retreat Away from the Screen Rhythm

In our screen-obsessed world, the Aban Café-Gallery offers an experience that feels revolutionary. Visitors find themselves compelled to genuinely observe their surroundings instead of being absorbed by their phones. The lake setting supports this, providing natural entertainment that requires no internet connection. One could spend an entire hour simply watching the light dance across the water’s surface, as every corner of the space encourages a true connection with the environment.

Architecture as a Bridge Between Humans and Nature

This project demonstrates that architecture can be more than a functional shelter. When executed thoughtfully, it transforms into a bridge linking human needs with the beauty of nature. Hamedi created a space that enhances both the natural scenery and the human experience, giving the lake a sculptural dimension while offering visitors a refuge from the fast pace of contemporary life.

Tangible Tranquility and Flowing Inspiration

Here, design serves deeper purposes beyond mere shelter, creating spaces where visitors feel a palpable sense of calm and where inspiration flows as naturally as water. The building becomes a living experience, interacting with light, water, and visitors, offering a fresh perspective on the role of architecture in our daily lives.

✦ ArchUp Editorial Insight

The Aban Café-Gallery leaves visitors with a diverse impression. On one hand, the design succeeds in creating a unique sensory experience that blends natural beauty with serene architecture, offering an opportunity for contemplation and tranquility away from the city’s bustle. The harmony between the materials used and the movement of the water adds a sense of coherence and warmth.

On the other hand, some visitors may feel that the design places a strong emphasis on the visual and environmental experience, which can reduce attention to certain functional or interactive aspects of the space, such as long-term comfort or flexibility in using the interior areas. Overall, the project presents a fresh and compelling vision of architecture on water, while including considerations whose importance may vary depending on visitor expectations.