Vaulted and domed structures, such as those used in local water-cooling reservoirs, create shaded areas that significantly reduce temperatures. Additionally, their curved surfaces help neutralise the destructive effects of the wind.

The project prioritises place-based, incremental growth by identifying and activating local resources in adaptable and sustainable ways, rather than depending on external investment and high-cost infrastructure.

Majara Residence is located along the island's ring road, approximately four kilometres west of Hormuz City. It was designed to offer high-quality lodging with a capacity for 75 guests while maintaining an open, community-oriented layout.

Vaulted and domed structures, such as those used in local water-cooling reservoirs, create shaded areas that significantly reduce temperatures. Additionally, their curved surfaces help neutralise the destructive effects of the wind.

Majara Residence during construction. The domes were built using superadobe, a technique pioneered by Iranian architect Nader Khalili in the late 20th century, for which he received the Aga Khan Award for Architecture in 2004 (Sandbag Shelter). The construction method is suited to Hormuz’s climate and material availability. The thick earthen walls regulate indoor temperatures, reducing reliance on artificial cooling.

In Majara, four distinct colours, derived from the island's ochre-rich soils, are applied across domes and landscapes as if forming a continuous surface.

The complex is part of a bottom-up development which uses structured architectural and urban interventions to regenerate Hormuz and build an alternative tourism economy. 

The colourful domes of Majara Residence provide sustainable accommodations for tourists who visit the unique landscape of Hormuz. Built by upskilled local workers, it also offers new facilities for the islanders who come there to socialise, pray, or use the library. 

The project responds to the island's topography. In the distance, mountain ranges rise toward the island's centre, contrasting with the flat, sandy terrain along the coastline.

Instead of imposing rigid, linear structures, Majara adopted an organic, clustered arrangement of 200 domes, preserving natural wind flows, wildlife movement, and human access to the sea.

Majara’s landscape design emphasises ecological restoration by replacing invasive vegetation with drought-resistant, regionally adapted species.

View of Majara Residence from the Strait of Hormuz.

Swimming pools are small to reduce water consumption.

Majara Residence discreetly illuminated at night.

Local musicians playing among the domes of Majara Residence.

A public library inside one of the domes promotes reading and provides a reference library about Hormuz.

Visitors enjoying the terrace of one the several cafés at Majara Residence .

The first built intervention, Rong Cultural Centre, is a walkable public space located in the main port of Hormuz. It includes a café, and hosts various community and cultural events for both locals and tourists.

Rong Cultural Centre stands out as a unique form and activates public space at the dock entry.

Rong Cultural Centre is an aesthetically striking intervention which sits within an urbanised zone by the sea.

Typeless is a two-storey building dedicated to education, comprising living spaces and workshops. It is a low-tech structure built with concrete, cement and scaffolding, using local know-how. All spaces are protected by a canopy roof, and can be modified and adapted to cater to the users' evolving needs.

Architectural drawing: topographic plan of Majara Residence in its context.