Designing for the Albanian Riviera begins with the terrain: jagged rocks and steep mountainsides; undergrowth thickened by the roots of pine and cypress trees. The Monika Villas at Red Sol Resort adopt a rational approach to this landscape, applying a “reticulum” – a fine grid structure – over the ground plane to establish a framework around which the structure is organised.
The villas are configured as a sequence of identical squares in plan, with “pixels” of the natural landscape left undisturbed for shared use. In section, the Villas shift vertically, extruding the square grid to accommodate the necessary spaces and to find a vantage point toward the sea. The arrangement of the Villas follows the vertical rhythm of the mountain landscape, with materials chosen to relate closely to the earth. At ground level, the buildings are more enclosed, providing each unit with its own private courtyard. The upper facades are relatively open to the surrounding environment, and each unit features a private pool on its roof.
The design of Red Sol Resort draws from the Taller’s housing projects of the 1960s and 70s, particularly La Muralla Roja. These projects were inspired by the historic model of the “kasbah”, a fortified settlement or city positioned strategically in the landscape, often near the coast, and protected by its complex architectural form. Beyond protection, the intricate layout of interconnected spaces within the kasbah promotes shared use of areas and resources, strengthening relationships among residents. The design ensures that people naturally come together, sharing things like markets, communal areas, and social gatherings, creating a vibrant, interconnected community.
This tradition of communal sharing and connectivity is mirrored in Red Sol Resort’s architecture, with villas interconnected by a network of exterior staircases, bridges, and walkways, giving the resort a castellated appearance from afar. These pathways weave through circular pools, the shared patios, and elevated vantage points. A single grand staircase runs the length of the site toward the sea, framed by a portal at its very end.
IMAGES BY
MIR
IMAGES BY
MIR