Perched dramatically above the cerulean waters of the Albanian Riviera, a new kind of luxury resort is taking shape, one where the wild beauty of the landscape isn’t just a backdrop but the very blueprint. JA Joubert Architecture, in collaboration with UNS Architects, has revealed designs for ZIG ZAG, a five-star resort destined for the coastal town of Himarë, Albania. Embracing the philosophy that “Architecture should not dominate the land; it should respond to it,” the studio has crafted a structure that appears to be an organic extension of the rugged terrain itself.
“At Zig-Zag, we created a design where nature dictates the structure—ensuring that every guest experiences this amazing landscape,” states Marc Joubert of JA Joubert Architecture. This commitment manifests most visibly in the resort’s namesake zig-zag layout. This ingenious configuration cascades down the steep slopes, creating a tiered silhouette that mirrors the natural topography. The primary objective? To guarantee uninterrupted views of the breathtaking Ionian Sea and surrounding cliffs for every guest room and communal space, weaving the panorama into the very fabric of the stay.
Spanning a significant 30,000m², the ZIG ZAG resort encompasses hotel accommodations, lush gardens, and diverse amenities. Navigating this vertical site demanded innovative solutions. The design prioritizes seamless mobility with a dedicated funicular system, carefully integrated pedestrian pathways, and strategic drop-off points, ensuring intuitive and accessible movement throughout the resort without compromising the serene atmosphere or the natural setting.
Sustainability is not an afterthought but a core principle embedded in ZIG ZAG’s DNA. The structure minimizes land disruption, respecting the existing ecosystem. Berat Stone, sourced locally, forms the primary cladding, a nod to regional craftsmanship that inherently provides passive cooling benefits. This choice, blending modern luxury with vernacular tradition, significantly enhances the project’s solar energy efficiency. Further ecological sensitivity is demonstrated through comprehensive rainwater management systems designed to mitigate runoff and conserve resources.
The architectural language promotes a fluid indoor-outdoor flow, blurring boundaries and inviting the Mediterranean climate and scenery into every moment. The crown jewel of this connection is a stunning sea-water infinity pool, seemingly merging with the horizon, complemented by private coastal accessallowing guests to immerse themselves directly in the pristine waters of the Albanian Riviera.
Currently in the design phase, ZIG ZAG Himarë promises to be more than just a destination; it aims to be a profound experience. By letting the dramatic coastal landscape dictate its form and function, JA Joubert Architecture and UNS Architects are crafting a sustainable coastal design haven where luxury is defined by harmony with nature and every glance offers an uninterrupted view of Albania’s untamed beauty.
This project stands as a testament to contemporary hospitality architecture that celebrates and elevates its environment, setting a new benchmark for sensitive development along this spectacular coastline.