“We were asked by the government to set the tone for the future of sustainable developments on the Albanian Riviera. The request involved the development of an architectural concept that would inform the place, brand and business plan for the new destination. Adding to our intention, the site for the Jali Hotel and Residences sits within an area that’s deeply immersed in Albanian and Greek cultures, which heavily influenced the design of the space,” said Tom McKeogh, studio leader at Oppenheim Architecture’s European office.
He continued, “It may sound cliche, but we tend to seek inspiration in the space in which we design and build. We aim to create monumental yet silent work that invokes a site’s inherent power. As a major element of our philosophy, it’s essential that we visit the site to better feel and understand the spirit of the place. It allows and encourages us to build with the land, rather than on the land.”
Located on Albania’s southern coast, the project will spring from its incredible landscape and seaside, seeking to satisfy the wanderlust of approximately six million travelers who flock to Albania every year, according to the firm.
“We began by studying the form and materials of local villages to see how they created comfortable, non–air-conditioned spaces—specifically, the neighboring hilltown of Vuno, with its massive masonry walls and ingenious shading devices,” McKeogh said. “Our concept utilizes these elements, though reinterpreted for a contemporary context—with arches, loggias, courtyards, louvers and planted verandas. We included pools and native landscapes to help cool outdoor spaces, while pergolas and grape vines provide shelter, shadow and movement. As you get closer to the architecture, contemporary elements, such as spas and infinity pools, reveal the complete nature and character of the hotel development.”
The site will include a myriad of refreshing amenities within a town square—from a world-class spa to a vibrant beachside club.
“We sought to tell a story that revolved around the legacy of the Albanian hilltown typology—and its continuation—while reinterpreting it for a contemporary era, program and user,” McKeogh said.
The Jali Hotel isn’t solely a hotel, McKeogh explained. The project includes artisan shops that work to create a village “center,” where local residents can operate cafes, bakeries and retail spaces. “This helps to bring life and culture to the area for visitors, while also providing employment. Our holistic master plan has produced a strategy to further the development of a future village center and additional public spaces,” he said.
Growing the destination’s profile and tourism economy, the cultural center provides space to socialize, shop and refresh with opportunities to indulge in local cuisine and relaxing amenities—including the spa, fitness suite, casino and beachside club. Guests are able to rest in a myriad of beach bungalows and suites, private and hotel-operated apartments and private villas.
“With an expansive design on the coastline, the Jali Hotel and Residences is more than a resort that ushers tourists to the area,” McKeogh said. “The development also benefits inhabitants in neighboring villages by providing spaces for small businesses, services and sustainable jobs throughout the year.”
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