JA Joubert Architecture from the Netherlands and UNS Architects from Albania have together designed the ZigZag Resort, a 30,000-square-metre hospitality project along the steep coastline of Himare in southern Albania. Located on a sloped site facing the Ionian Sea, the project aims to fit naturally into the land rather than changing it. Its zigzag layout follows the shape of the land, allowing the design to work with the terrain while still offering good views and comfort for guests. The resort is currently in the design phase, led by architects Marc Joubert, Foti Prifti, and Erjon Gjyli, with visual support from Vero Universe.
The ZigZag Resort will include hotel rooms, infinity pools, private terraces, gardens, and a network of walking paths and service routes. Local Berat stone will be used for construction, helping the design stay true to Albanian building traditions and lowering the carbon footprint by avoiding imported materials.
To reduce energy use, the project follows passive design methods. It uses the sun’s position and natural airflow to cool buildings and collects rainwater for use on site. A funicular system and walkable paths connect different levels, while vehicle access is limited to certain drop-off points to ensure a calm, uninterrupted experience for guests.
Project Layout
The core of the project is its form-driven response to the natural slope:
- Topography-Based Form: The zigzag configuration steps down with the gradient, avoiding deep cuts or structural fill.
- View Preservation: Each unit sits on a separate terrace, ensuring all guests receive direct sea views.
- Terraced Massing: Instead of a single large building, the resort is fragmented into multiple volumes, each occupying a limited footprint.
- Circulation Design: A combination of drop-off areas, a funicular system, and walking paths ensures smooth movement across the slope without requiring wide internal roads.
- Functional Segregation: Paths for staff and service operations are separated from guest areas to prevent disruptions and maintain flow.
This planning method maintains the integrity of the land and facilitates a vertical organization of spaces, matching the site’s topographic lines. The design also limits the need for retaining walls or major engineering structures, instead choosing to place built elements where the land permits.
Environmental Strategy and Materials
ZigZag Resort incorporates passive design methods and site-responsive construction systems aimed at long-term environmental performance.
- Rainwater Collection: Roofs and terraces are designed to capture rainwater, which is reused for irrigating the landscape.
- Solar and Wind Optimization: Units are placed and oriented to allow daylight and natural ventilation, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.
- Use of Local Stone: Berat Stone, known for its wide availability in the region, is used for facades, structural parts, and paths. This reduces transport-related emissions and anchors the resort in local tradition.
- Energy Minimization: Design strategies such as controlled building exposure, natural shading, and efficient spatial orientation help limit reliance on air conditioning.
These steps are not only cost-effective but also reflect the architectural team’s intent to build within the region’s climatic and resource limits.
Indoor-Outdoor Transition and Spatial Planning
The layout encourages a close relationship between enclosed spaces and the natural surroundings.
- Integrated Terraces: Each unit connects to a private outdoor zone, such as a garden or small pool, without distinct barriers.
- Infinity Pools: Pools are aligned with the terrace edges, visually extending into the coastline and maintaining continuity with the sea.
- Garden Extensions: Landscaping is planned to act as a buffer and connector between indoor functions and natural vegetation.
- Private Access to Coastline: A discreet path leads to the rocky shore, avoiding large structures near the waterline.
These strategies ensure the experience of the landscape continues throughout the guest journey, from room to shoreline, without visual or physical interruption.
Mobility and Internal Access
The design of ZigZag Resort emphasizes pedestrian access and terrain-compatible circulation methods.
- Funicular System: A small-scale transport system connects upper and lower levels, reducing the need for roads and cutting through the slope.
- Pedestrian Emphasis: Most internal circulation is designed for walking, with gradual paths and steps connecting different zones.
- Access Management: Vehicle entry is limited to a few designated points at higher elevations, preserving the rest of the terrain.
- Separate Service Routes: Staff and supply movement occurs through hidden or secondary paths, ensuring guest areas remain quiet and undisturbed.
Design Philosophy and Site Respect
ZigZag Resort is based on a low-impact development model that uses the site’s natural features as a guide. The planning avoids major cuts, builds along existing gradients, and maintains a low construction density. As lead architect Marc Joubert explains, “Architecture should not dominate the land; it should respond to it.” This principle is seen throughout the project in both design decisions and material choices.
- No Major Land Alteration: The layout avoids cliff-cutting or heavy land modification.
- Respect for Coastal Profile: The coastline is left largely untouched, with no buildings placed directly along the water’s edge.
- Programmatic Efficiency: Each space is designed for multiple uses, minimizing overall spread.
- Material Continuity: The visual character of the project blends into the rock formations and nearby vernacular structures.
Conclusion
Tourism is expanding in southern Albania, and the Albanian Riviera is attracting more real estate projects. However, many of these developments have been criticised for overlooking the natural terrain. ZigZag Resort takes a different approach. Its design works with the land instead of altering it, showing that responsible architecture can respect the environment while meeting modern needs.
Image Source: core77.com, designboom.com
