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House Feature
"Presence in Hormuz": A SuperAdobe Earthbag Home Community
Imagine living in a community of eco-friendly homes built with all-natural materials, situated on a scenic island. Sound ideal? We think so too!
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By Maria Saxton, Rise Writer
Feb 26, 2025 · 5 min read
ZAV Architects' Domes
On Hormuz Island in Iran sits a community of domes built with the SuperAdobe building method. Hormuz Island is located in the Persian Gulf south of Iran and historically was a port. The dome community originated as an idea to economically revitalize the island. Residents were empowered and trained in SuperAdobe and earthbag construction methods and participated in the building process themselves. The homes were built in 2020 and provide a tourist destination. Two hundred one domes were built, including 132 hotel rooms, 14 domes for entertainment and sports, 21 for food and beverages, and 28 for housing the hotel management and other services. In total, the domes occupy two hundred square meters. They envision the next phase of this project as a community space to connect residents with tourists visiting the island.
This community was designed by ZAV Architects, an architectural firm formed in 2006. As evident by their innovative dome project, ZAV believes that "collective creativity can reach grounds unattainable to individual efforts." The dome project won the Golden Award at the 2020 Taipei International Design Award competition and the winner of the 2020 Memar Awards.
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Where Was the SuperAdobe Method Created?
This building method was developed by Iranian-born architect Nader Khalili who fine-tuned this method while living in Southern California. Nader was a world-renowned architect, author, and innovator who contributed significantly to learning in the built environment. His work was even cited in multiple NASA publications. He founded the California Institute of Earth Art and Architecture (Cal-Earth), where he taught earthbag building techniques to thousands. Presently, his children have continued their father's mission.
Rise Writer
Expert. Practical. Sustainable.
Article by
Maria Saxton
Located in Roanoke, Virginia, Maria Saxton holds a Ph.D. in Environmental Design and Planning from Virginia Tech. She works as an Environmental Planner and Housing Researcher for a local firm specializing in Community Planning, Architecture, Landscape Architecture, and Historic Preservation. Her dissertation explored the environmental impacts of small-scale homes. She serves as a volunteer board member for the Tiny Home Industry Association.
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