Zig-Zag Resort by JA Joubert Architecture & UNS Architects
Located along the coastline of Himare, Albania, Zig-Zag Resort is designed by JA Joubert Architecture in collaboration with UNS Architects. The resort adopts a linear zig-zag configuration that follows the existing topography, maintaining views across the site while minimizing alteration to the landscape. The formal strategy enables each unit to engage with its surroundings without obstructing others, preserving both visual and environmental continuity.
The design incorporates passive environmental strategies, including solar orientation and natural ventilation, to reduce energy demand. Rainwater is managed through integrated systems, supporting on-site ecological balance. Locally sourced Berat stone is used in the construction, selected for its durability and relevance to regional building traditions.
all images courtesy of JA Joubert Architecture and UNS Architects
Zig-Zag Resort’s Architecture in Dialogue with Landscape
Circulation throughout the resort is organized to facilitate intuitive movement. Vertical transitions between terraces, gardens, and pools are addressed through integrated pathways and a funicular system. These connections are designed to provide access across levels while limiting impact on the terrain. Drop-off points and circulation routes are planned to separate guest pathways from service areas.
Interior spaces extend outward into gardens, decks, and terraces, maintaining a continuous spatial experience. Infinity pools blend with the coastline, and private coastal access deepens the resort’s connection with its surroundings. The architectural approach emphasizes a cohesive relationship between building and site, aligning structural and material decisions with the existing conditions of the coastal landscape. ‘Architecture should not dominate the land; it should respond to it,’ explains Marc Joubert, founder of JA Joubert Architecture.
Zig-Zag Resort stretches along the Himare coastline, following the natural terrain
the resort’s linear zig-zag form preserves site topography and uninterrupted views
architecture and landscape interlock without major disruption to the land
each unit is oriented to maintain privacy and maximize coastal exposure
infinity pools align with the sea, extending the horizon visually