Hotel in Velipoja

The Hotel in Velipoja exemplifies how architecture can respond intelligently to complex ecological and urban conditions. Located at the mouth of the Bojana River, this project merges environmental sensitivity with contemporary design—creating a model for sustainable hospitality development.

The site sits at the threshold between dense riparian forests and the expanding edge of the urban fabric. Spanning 8,500 m², it is bordered by the Bojana River to the west and Rruga N°1 to the east, placing it at the intersection of two contrasting systems: nature and city. This context presented both a challenge and a unique opportunity for architectural intervention.

The Bojana River—also known as the Buna—originates from Lake Skadar and flows to the Adriatic Sea. Its delta forms a rich wetland ecosystem that supports high biodiversity, particularly migratory bird populations. The project respects and amplifies this ecological setting, integrating seamlessly into the landscape while minimizing environmental disruption.

The Hotel in Velipoja reuses a modernist structure from the 1980s, preserving its cultural and architectural memory. Through adaptive reuse, the project avoids unnecessary demolition while anchoring the new design in the site’s history. This strategy also allowed for a more sustainable development approach.

Lush vegetation, including native poplar, willow, and alder species, was preserved and integrated into the landscape plan. These forest systems stabilize soil, filter water, and provide shade and biodiversity—elements that enrich both the ecological and guest experience.

This hotel in Velipoja demonstrates how thoughtful design can mediate between ecological conservation and hospitality needs. The result is an environmentally responsive, culturally rooted destination that offers more than accommodation—it creates a meaningful place.