In a small village in the Austrian Alps, lives and works Chris Precht, one of the most promising names in European architecture, who designed and is overseeing the construction process of Dukagjini Resort.
In an interview for Blendi Fevziu in Opinion, Precht showed that from his office he has designed some of the most impressive works of contemporary architecture, including some that are currently being realized in Albania.
"The architect had his first contact with Albania during the pandemic, when he received an invitation from the prime minister's office to visit the country. I fell in love with the diversity of Albania, with mountains similar to those of Austria, with an extraordinary coastline that stretches across two seas, and with the vibrancy of Tirana that fills you with energy," confessed Precht, who calls himself a "mountain boy."
One of his passions is using wood as a preferred material, not only for aesthetics, but also for its sustainability and ecological aspect.
One of the most important projects for him is "Dukagjini Resort", in Shengjin.
He remembers the moment he saw the terrain: “The view there is very open, unlike in Austria where mountains often block the horizon. Here you can watch the sun set. When we designed the Shëngjin project we thought that the view to the west needs a rainbow-shaped arch to enjoy it properly. Arches capture that best. The buildings give you the impression that they are part of the landscape. It is a transition between architecture and landscape.
For the architect, the main design challenge in Albania is the steep relief, which requires creativity to harmonize the buildings with the natural landscape.
Precht also speaks passionately about another of his projects, “Northern Apartments,” which went viral for its shape that follows the lines of the landscape: “It’s more or less similar to Shëngjin. The landscape flows into the architecture. The mountain range has a curve and our building will be on that curve. During the architectural and creative process, there has to be some suffering to end up with the right feeling. I think we designed it three times. In the end, we said, okay, this is it.”
The architect also spoke about the hotel, of which he said, "It looks like a ship waiting to go to sea."
"We will use wood, not as a construction material, but as a decorative material that will look very beautiful. I believe we will start in a month. I think this project fits well with its location, but its theme also fits," he said.
But why does the architect use so much wood in his projects?
"I think wood has a lot of personality, it has a history. You enjoy smelling it."
He describes Albania as a country with unique potential and in a phase of rapid transformation: "The energy and vitality in Tirana are special. Albania is a great attraction, especially for those looking for a second home or wanting to retire in a country with rich nature and culture."
On the other hand, Dukagjini Group CEO, Korab Lluka, said that the project for the five-star hotel in the north is expected to be completed in 2028-2029 and will meet the highest international standards, using only quality materials and respecting the architect's decisions.
"We have worked hard during the summer and plan that in 2028-2029 the entire project will be completed, including the hotel and the villas. We do not use any materials without the architect's decision, as we have a notarized contract. We are forced to work with very good materials, as in the hotel part we have to make the hotel with the standard brand of Swiss Hotel, which is part of the Accor Group," he said.
Lluka added that 90% of buyers are Albanians, mainly from Kosovo, and for foreigners, the development of an ecological mini-city in the Tala area is planned, which will be the first ecological project in Albania.
"In the Shëngjin project, we have about 35 percent of the vacant units left. Over 65 percent of the apartments have notarized contracts. We have a contract for five years, but we will try to complete it even faster. And in all likelihood, we will achieve it. There will be a minimum of three hotels in Tale. We have talked with Chris about making a small space, an ecological mini-city. It will be the first ecological project for Albania."
Asked by Fevziu why Albania is attractive to Kosovo Albanians, he said: "Kosovo may have it all, but it doesn't have the sea."
Watch the full show by clicking here. /Telegraph/
