Study of the Architectural Structure and Water Supply System of the Hand-dug Bath in the Historical Village of Kahnamu, Osku County

The hand-dug architecture of the foothills of the Sahand volcanic mountain is one of the lesser-known types of Iranian architecture that some of its landmarks have been partially studied. Historical and remarkable examples of baths as the hand-dug architecture of Sahand can be found in almost all the villages. Water supply systems and spatial circulation due to space constraints in the rock are among the features that highlight the architectural typology of the hand-dug baths of Sahand foothills; in fact, the necessity and importance of this research revolve around them. Field survey and documentation methods for the process of creating architectural spaces as well as the water supply system along with construction techniques were used. This paper aims at presenting new findings on the hand-dug bath of Kahnamu, as an intact bath in Sahand foothills, and answers questions such as what are the architectural and physical features of Kahnamu bath in terms of hand-dug spaces? What are the water supply and circulation systems in the interior spaces of the baths in this mountainous area? Library research, field observation and documentation methods are used in this study.One of the key features of Kahnamu bath is its water supply and circulation system, which uses the water of qanat and heating systems to provide suitable water for various means in Khazineh and other interior spaces of the bath. In addition, the main materials combined with this type of architecture in the original examples are scattered rocks in the mountainous environment and volcanic rubble in the riverbeds of the Sahand valleys; also, in the construction of complementary or repair spaces, mud-based eco-mortars have been used. Today, in new samples, along with old materials, sand and cement mortar is widely used.