Area R, excavated in 2006 and 2009, consisted of a massive building located roughly at the center of the site and surrounded by a stone perimeter fence. The structure is 12.7 meters by 15 meters, contains six rooms surrounding a courtyard, and includes a second floor as indicated by a well-preserved staircase. The 2006 season probed the courtyard between the monumental structure and the perimeter fence revealing metallurgical layers and excavated one of the interior rooms. The 2009 excavations revealed all of the interior rooms of the main structure with the exception of the majority of a central courtyard and also further probed the metallurgical levels. Based on its location, monumental construction, and special finds, the Area R building is believed to have been an elite residence, possibly for those controlling the copper production. Radiocarbon analysis dates the building in Area R to the late 10th century BCE.
