Villa Lola | Archea Associati

Type Architecture, Landscape, Interiors

Location Durres | Albania

Year 2018 | 2026

Client Privato

Built-up Area 1.062.90 sqm

Total Area 1704.70 sqm

Structures AEI Progetti

Installations Eng. Arjan Çoka P.F.
Eng. Artan Dersha
Eng. Shpetim

Constructor ALBSTAR LTD.

Credits Photo | Pietro Savorelli e Associati

Overlooking the sea directly, in the residential area of Rruga e Vilave in Durrës, the villa is arranged over two above-ground levels and a basement, taking the form of a contemporary residence in which architecture, landscape, and domestic space come together to define a distinct quality of living. The project stems from the desire to establish a direct and continuous relationship with the sea horizon, interpreting the site’s privileged location through an articulated composition of pure, overlapping, and projecting geometric volumes. The deep perimeter frames modulate the entry of natural light, create expansive shaded areas, and protect the interior spaces from direct sunlight, while the succession of horizontal planes accentuates the building’s extension toward the landscape, giving it a sculptural, light, and dynamic character. The large, floor-to-ceiling windows, framed by slender metal profiles with a gold finish, frame the sea as an integral part of the living space and blur the perceived boundary between interior and exterior. The main rooms open onto terraces, loggias, and green spaces, creating a fluid sequence of areas dedicated to daily life, socializing, and contemplating the landscape. The oceanfront garden is organized around a large rectangular infinity pool, conceived as a body of water capable of visually extending the residence toward the sea: the edge of the pool seems to dissolve into the horizon, reinforcing the continuity between architecture, water, and landscape. The spacious sun deck, paved with light-colored stone and integrated into the lawn, features various areas designed for relaxation and socializing. Maritime pines help define shaded areas and anchor the design in the Mediterranean character of the site, while lounge chairs, lightweight structures, and discreet lighting systems enhance the use of the outdoor spaces throughout the day. Adjacent to the pool is a sunken lounge area, accessible via steps integrated into the flooring and defined by recessed seating with soft cushions arranged around a central fire pit. The space is designed as a cozy and convivial setting from which to watch the sunset and enjoy the garden in the evening hours, when the light from the fire, reflected on the water’s surface, helps create an intimate and evocative atmosphere. The bright and flexible interior spaces are designed to meet high standards of environmental comfort and energy efficiency; the orientation, sun protection, continuity with the outdoor spaces, and integration of technological solutions all contribute to the creation of an architectural whole that is in harmony with the site’s climate and landscape. The villa thus interprets the theme of living by the sea through a restrained yet highly recognizable architecture, in which light, materials, water, and vegetation define a continuous balance between the private dimension of domestic space and openness to the landscape.

Villa Lola | Architecture, Landscape, Interiors | Residential building |