Latest news with #H+S
Observer
08-07-2025
- Observer
Telegraph Island project shortlisted for World Architecture Festival awards
Muscat: The design for the revitalisation of Maqlab Island (Telegraph Island) has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025, under the Future Projects – Culture category. This international recognition underscores the cultural, historical, and architectural significance of the project and places it among the world's most forward-thinking and visionary designs. The World Architecture Festival is renowned as a global platform for celebrating architectural innovation and excellence. Being shortlisted for this award reflects the project's strong design narrative, cultural sensitivity and commitment to storytelling through architecture. An artist's impression of the project Maqlab Island, located off the coast of Musandam, is steeped in history dating back to 1864 when it served as a telegraph cable repeater station. The ruins of the island have long stood as silent witnesses to its past, nestled in a lagoon surrounded by dramatic cliffs and pristine waters. The project's vision is to transform Maqlab Island into a culturally rich, environmentally conscious destination — celebrating its unique heritage, attracting ecotourism and promoting educational and recreational experiences. An artist's impression of the project Early design explorations considered reconstructing the island's original features. However, the final concept embraced a more forward-looking approach: blending preservation with minimal yet impactful architectural intervention. The result is a design that overlays the island's existing foundation without altering its structure — introducing a new architectural layer that echoes the island's story through form and materiality. A multifunctional structure will serve as a visitor hub, art installation and event space for exhibitions, gatherings, and cultural programmes. Designed to visually harmonise with the natural landscape, the building blends into its surroundings by day and transforms into a glowing architectural jewel by night. An artist's impression of the project Enhancements include a dedicated arrival jetty, accessible pathways, interpretive signage, viewing platforms, and telescopes — all designed to enrich the visitor experience while respecting the island's scale and serenity. The island will be fully self-sufficient, powered by solar energy and supported by its own RO plant. Measures such as offshore buoys will protect coral ecosystems from boat anchors. The structure is designed to achieve zero carbon emissions, reinforcing H+S's environmental commitment. The project is implemented by Hoehler + al Salmy (H+S), a leading architectural consultancy rooted in a legacy of innovation, cultural sensitivity and international collaboration.
Observer
06-05-2025
- Business
- Observer
Bandar Al Khairan targeted for sustainable tourism
MUSCAT, MAY 6 Well-known Omani design and architectural consultancy firm Hoehler + alSalmy (H+S) has announced that it has been awarded a contract by the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism for advisory services linked to the development of Bandar Al-Khairan, a pristine coastal haven of Muscat Governorate, into an eco-tourism area. Located off the blacktop to Yiti, a major destination for real estate, tourism and hospitality investment, Bandar Al Khairan has already been designated a general ecotourism area vide Royal Decree 45/2007, conferring upon this natural sanctuary a high degree of environmental protection. Given its proximity to the capital city, Bandar Al Khairan attracts tourists, picnickers and weekenders eager for a day out amid its tranquil settings with its distinctive mangrove forests, limestone cliffs, secluded covers and serene waters. From the ecological standpoint, Bandar Al Khairan is also known for its rich biodiversity, reflected in its extensive coral reefs and marine habitats. Furthermore, as a carbon sink in its own right, conserving this sanctuary is also imperative to Oman's climate mitigation objectives. Of late, however, with major upscale resort and hospitality developments coming up in the vicinity of this sanctuary, Hoehler + alSalmy has been tapped by Oman's authorities to ensure Bandar Al Khairan's development is in accordance with sustainable guidelines and regulations. 'As part of this project, we will be leading the planning, research, and analysis to ensure the best possible outcome — designing a sustainable framework that enhances and protects the unique environment of Bandar Al-Khairan, a designated protected area,' the sustainability-focused architectural firm noted in a post. 'This project is a major step toward enhancing sustainable tourism in one of Oman's most beautiful natural environments. We are truly honoured to play a role in shaping a destination that reflects Oman's ecological and cultural richness,' the company further added. Already, parts of Bandar Al Khairan ocean-facing waterfront are being transformed into high-end resort developments designed and built based on sustainable standards. Notable is Bandar Al Khairan Resort & Spa, a lavish development promoted by Musstir, the hospitality arm of MB Group, with an investment of RO 36 million. According to Bangkok-based boutique hotel chain Minor Hotels, the property will be operated by Anantara and feature 51 guest rooms, 46 chalets and 24 villas. The property is due to launch in 2026.
