The Strait of Hormuz, connecting the Persian Gulf with the Ottoman Gulf, is one of the most strategically important places in the world, as about 25 percent of the total oil consumption and a third of liquefied natural gas pass through it. This is the only sea route that allows exporting the "black gold" of Iran and the UAE to Japan, the USA and Western Europe.
The island of Hormuz is located in the northern part of the strait of the same name. Hilly terrain of volcanic origin, red ocher soils, almost complete absence of vegetation and long sandy beaches make the landscape of the island almost Martian. Difficulties with obtaining fresh water on its territory further strengthen this metaphor.
Iranian history is full of constant struggle, internal contradictions and political disputes
20 kilometers from the port city of Bandar-Abbas is the Majara Residence resort complex, developed by a Tehran design studio ZAV Architects and opened in 2020.
Iranian history is full of constant struggle, internal contradictions and political disputes. The "Presence in Hormuz" project is part of a social program aimed at solving public problems, expanding the rights and opportunities of local residents who are experiencing economic difficulties.
The multi-purpose cultural complex Majara Residence, which translates as "adventure", is aimed at the formation of a specific community. This is a territory that will unite land owners from Bandar Abbas who organize an annual land art event in Hormuz, investors from Tehran and residents of Hormuz as partners and stakeholders.
The project by ZAV Architects assumes a village-sized community resettlement system. This place offers an incredible opportunity for travelers and local residents to coexist. Architecture in this context is not just the implementation of utilitarian and aesthetic tasks, but also serves higher goals, opening the boundaries for changing the system of society.
The architectural complex built by Majara is a domed structure that houses apartments, cafes, restaurants, souvenir shops, and information centers. The Hormuz 2 building also contains auxiliary premises: personnel rooms, utility warehouses, recreation rooms, a laundry room, a salon, and a prayer room.
The dome-shaped buildings are built using Nader Khalila's technique - an innovative and simple construction method aimed at the rational use of resources. As a material for the walls, bags with compacted soil were used, which were fixed with a metal frame and covered with cement. For the construction process, unskilled workers from the community were involved, who were trained and prepared for this project. Effective economic planning, connected with the compensation of traditional costs for construction, transportation and labor wages for specialized craftsmen, made this project unique in terms of the investments made and the result obtained.
The visual appearance of the built complex fits perfectly into the regional landscape. Smooth forms and natural colors harmoniously combine with the local color and turn the building into a unique sculptural composition. This bright "carpet" is made of red, blue and yellow volumes can be observed from a distance of a mile. It becomes an amazing sight for tourists.
Majara Residence interiors are a continuation of "Martian" architecture. A simple layout, the absence of strict lines and right angles, biomorphic pieces of furniture and ethnic decor form an exciting play space with a different understanding of boundaries.
Earthen domes are relatively spacious and, thanks to their comfortable contextual design, create a worthy residence for local communities.