The current project is defined within an approximately 800 sqm residential fabric in the coastal city of Hormoz. It is situated on pre-constructed land. The presence of these existing and abandoned structures on the site exemplifies the concept of a wounded land for us.
As a result, the plan’s idea revolving around the effort to restore the scarred land through architectural intervention was shaped. Utilizing the natural slope of the land and the existing height differences on the site, the project is defined in two main layers. The lower layer, beneath the ground, is constructed using masonry materials and with the help of traditionally common methods, and it has a zero footprint on the ground, essentially being buried, invisible, and relatively private. On the other hand, the upper layer, above the ground, consists of various forms constructed with local materials (such as Sevend), employing a contemporary language that is lightweight, temporary, playful, and more public.
The project simultaneously refers to the structure, the urban and rural fabric of southern Iran’s settlements, and corresponds to the climate of the region, and the form, by paying homage to the indigenous heritage, mud-brick structures, and wooden textures found in these areas. In the lower layer, residential spaces are defined in proximity to central courtyards, with visual extensions towards the sea. In the upper layer, spatial units for public activities are formed using temporary shading devices, maximizing shade and natural air circulation.
In other words, the lower area of the project within an enclosed structure on the ground, is designed to organize the residential space for tourists alongside private courtyards. The upper layer, devoid of large-scale construction, serves as an extensive community center or public courtyard and extends not only over the coastal land but also over the project’s roof, ensuring an uninterrupted view of the sea without being obscured by the road.
Maximizing openness and public space is one of the key features of the project. This enables tourists to access and visit the entire project during their journey. After parking their vehicles in the adjacent open parking lot by the road, the entire site area will be accessible for pedestrian exploration. Furthermore, the pedestrian path culminates in a pier, and along the route to this destination, the unique nature and diverse colorful soils of this valuable beach will be visible and experiential for visitors. The existing buildings on the site have also been reprogrammed in the new project and used for service and infrastructure purposes.
This project has about 8,800 sqm of area, out of which 4,800 sqm are allocated to residential spaces, including 18 suites, 11 budget accommodations, 11 villas, and an additional 4,000 sqm are dedicated to recreational zone, including a restaurant, café, kitchen, sports club, and service areas. It is hopefully anticipated that in future operational scenarios, the service spaces will be managed by local people, contributing to economic empowerment, revitalization, and the flourishing of indigenous arts while improving cultural development.