Berdenesh Hills designed by NOA
The architectural firm NOA has presented the Berdenesh Hills residential and hotel complex — terraced residential buildings located on a hillside in southern Albania, near the resort town of Saranda. The concept is based on the natural terrain and the horizontal views of the Mediterranean Sea.
The Terraced Architecture of Berdenesh Hills
The architecture of Berdenesh Hills, designed by NOA, is based on terraced roof planes and volumes of varying heights that echo the natural slope of the site in Albania’s coastal zone. The volumes rise and fall in section, creating a rhythm closely connected to the landscape. From above, the roofs form a fragmented, sculpted surface that blends seamlessly into the hillside, while from below, the terraces emphasize horizontality without overwhelming the views.
The façades are finished in warm, earthy tones that reflect the surrounding soil and rock colors. Subtle projections and recesses enliven the surfaces, capturing light differently throughout the day. This modulation of form reduces the visual mass often associated with multi-story residential developments in Saranda.
Private Terraces for Expansive Sea Views
The outdoor space plays a central role throughout the project. Each apartment features a private terrace, designed as a natural extension of the interior living space. Along the edges of the buildings, the terraces widen to create large outdoor “rooms” oriented toward the sea.
At the heart of Berdenesh Hills, the main plaza unfolds across several terraced levels, accommodating movement, gatherings, and small communal pavilions. A Mediterranean garden weaves throughout the site, planted with species adapted to the coastal climate. These shared spaces collectively strengthen the sense of community while maintaining the privacy of individual apartments.
Preliminary design approval has already been secured, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026.