DHERMI DREAM RESORT | Davide Macullo

Nestled along Albania’s rapidly transforming coastline, Dhermi is a place where history, culture, and nature converge in breathtaking harmony. This land, blessed by the Mediterranean’s beauty and the resilience of the civilizations that have shaped it, calls for architecture that respects and enhances its surroundings. In a time of rapid development, this project stands as a manifesto of thoughtful design—an approach that celebrates the land rather than imposing upon it.

We are not merely constructing buildings; we are creating a living environment, a space that absorbs the essence of its setting. With humility and ambition, we take inspiration from the architectural wisdom of the past—not by imitating, but by embracing its principles of proportion, materiality, and sensitivity to place. This is a project that seeks harmony between the built and the natural, where every element responds to the landscape’s expressive power.

At the heart of the design is a commitment to preserving and enhancing the natural setting. Rather than a rigid development, the project unfolds as an organic composition of villas and apartments, carefully positioned to respect the land’s contours. A Mediterranean botanical park forms the foundation of this vision, integrating architecture with the existing ecosystem. Here, the boundaries between built space and nature dissolve, creating an environment that breathes with the rhythm of the land.

The site, a gentle slope overlooking the sea, offers a privileged vantage point, where views extend from the vast horizon to the rugged mountains. This unique geography inspires an architecture that both embraces and amplifies the landscape. The design introduces a sequence of spaces that frame these vistas—shaded courtyards, covered walkways, and open terraces that transition seamlessly from interior to exterior. These interstitial spaces are not merely functional; they are essential to the experience, reinforcing a connection with the elements and enhancing the quality of living.

The architectural language blends classical references with the expressive identity of the region, resulting in a built environment that feels both timeless and deeply rooted in place. Soft, organic forms shape the buildings, their curves echoing the natural undulations of the terrain. Walls of warm stone, shaded arcades, and verdant patios create a sense of protection while maintaining openness—an invitation to inhabit the landscape rather than retreat from it.

Arriving at Dhermi is a journey in itself. A path lined with young cypress trees, which will grow into towering sentinels of time, guides visitors down towards the settlement. The anticipation builds as the road descends, revealing glimpses of a world carefully composed of layered terraces, framed views, and a rhythmic interplay of light and shadow. This sequence of arrival is intentional—a measured transition from the vastness of the landscape to the intimacy of the home.

Every dwelling is designed to heighten the senses, offering moments of contemplation and surprise. Interiors extend towards the horizon, their proportions calibrated for comfort and a sense of expansiveness. Patios filter the Mediterranean light, infusing spaces with warmth and movement, while gentle breezes carry the scents of the surrounding flora. This is architecture designed not only to be seen but to be felt—an immersive experience that lingers in memory.

Dhermi is not just a place to stay; it is a place to belong. A retreat where life is measured not by routine but by the beauty of each moment. Through this collaboration with Orion Construction, we embrace the responsibility of shaping the future of the coastline with care, vision, and respect. Here, architecture serves as a bridge between past and future, between nature and human experience—a timeless dialogue between land, light, and life.