Located in the hillside neighborhood of Kodra e Diellit, Zaha Hadid Architects’ The Nest and Cascades introduce a new model of sustainable living and hospitality in Tirana, Albania. Responding to rising demand for diverse housing and high-quality amenities, the developments combine advanced environmental design, community-focused landscapes, and architecture shaped by the district’s dramatic topography and panoramic city views.
The Nest: Sustainable Living Rooted in Landscape
The Nest is a collection of residential buildings spread across four plots surrounding a central community park. Offering a mix of one- to three-bedroom apartments, the development has been carefully designed using extensive environmental analysis, including studies of topography, sunlight, wind patterns, temperature, and rainfall.
The façades maximize natural ventilation and daylight while recessed terraces and cantilevered balconies provide sheltered outdoor living spaces. Targeting LEED Gold certification, the project incorporates low-carbon materials, solar energy systems, rainwater harvesting, and extensive green spaces that help reduce urban heat while enhancing community life.
Climate-Responsive Design and Low-Carbon Construction
Sustainability is embedded throughout The Nest’s architecture by Zaha Hadid Architects. Deep façade reveals and overhanging balconies reduce summer heat gain while allowing winter sunlight to penetrate interiors. A comprehensive life-cycle assessment informed material choices, resulting in significantly lower embodied carbon than regional averages.
Distinctive façades finished in fawn tones, terracotta, and deep red stucco reflect the colors of the surrounding landscape. More than half of the site is dedicated to greenery, with native planting, permeable paving, and shaded public areas contributing to a healthier and more resilient urban environment.
The Cascades: A Hillside Hotel and Residential Retreat
Extending the existing Arka Art Hotel, Cascades introduces a new 120-room hotel wing, an expanded swimming pool, and a residential component integrated into the hillside. Inspired by the terrain, the project features a series of cascading garden terraces and landscaped courtyards that frame panoramic views across Tirana. Constructed with locally sourced limestone and lightweight GRC panels that echo the region’s geological textures, the design balances aesthetics with environmental performance.
Rainwater collection, greywater recycling, green roofs, solar shading, and hybrid natural ventilation systems ensure long-term sustainability while creating comfortable spaces for residents and guests alike.
Project Credit: ZHA
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