The Veilcurrently under construction in Durmi, presents a large-scale intervention by Bofill Architecture Workshop which is directly connected to a sensitive coastal landscape. The surrounding deciduous forests cover a significant part of Albania’s territory and the mountainous coastline has remained largely untouched. The project recognizes this situation from the outset, structuring its approach around minimal disruption and careful placement.
The development distributes 366 apartments and 77 villas on two plots, organized into sixteen typologies. Rather than imposing a single masterplan, the layout follows the contours of the land. The buildings are installed on platforms that conform to the existing slopes, avoiding extensive excavations. This approach defines the spatial logic of the project. The architecture spreads across the ground in a scattered configuration, allowing the vegetation and topography to remain active elements. The concept of “veil” emerges through this strategy, where the built form maintains a luminous presence over the site.
Traffic plays a central role in connecting the project. Locally sourced stone forms a continuous base that keeps pace with the ground, creating paths and steps that move along the development. The material palette is drawn directly from the site, with four tones sourced from the surrounding samples. This decision grounds the work in its context while establishing a clear hierarchy of movement. Routes guide users without introducing unnecessary infrastructure.
Vegetation remains a determining factor in composition. Key trees affect the placement of buildings, while other plants are left largely untouched. The result is a multi-layered spatial situation where horizontal platforms intersect with vertical development. Residential volumes rise among the trees to capture the view of the Adriatic Sea. Generous openings, terraces and pools extend this relationship, maintaining visual continuity between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Despite the differences in size and configuration, the units share a consistent facade treatment. Concrete and glass ceramic tiles define the exterior surfaces, introducing subtle changes in light reflection during the day. This consistency enhances the coherence of the development, while the reflective quality helps integrate the buildings into their surroundings. Architecture is not based on contrast. It works through alignment with existing conditions.
A central communal building organizes shared amenities such as a social club, restaurant, gym and swimming pools. Its courtyard introduces a deviation from the otherwise rectilinear geometry. It curves around a stand of existing trees, placing them in the center of the site. This moment clarifies the project’s priorities, where architecture adapts to the landscape rather than reshaping it.
Under his direction Pablo Bofilalongside design principles Hernan Cortes and Alborz Mohammadithe project maintains a consistent framework throughout its scale. Landscape design by Vivian Rothie and technical coordination by Barbara Jimeno supports a system where every intervention is aligned with the conditions of the space. The extended team contributes to a complex development that remains controlled in its execution.
Veil addresses the challenge of introducing density into a fragile environment. Its strategy depends on distribution, continuity of material and accurate positioning. The project eschews dominant gestures, focusing instead on how architecture can co-exist with landscape. Its success will depend on how faithfully the construction follows this intention, where the balance between development and conservation remains critical.
