Delta Gardens

In early 2023 we were asked to design the collective spaces of a very dense housing project by the Albanian Riviera. The challenging site, a steep plot directly adjacent to a dry river delta, featured panoramic views towards the Greek islands of Corfu and Othonoi but came with a set of challenges: while the slope exposes all buildings to the sun, the density makes airflow difficult and the surrounding dry river delta is void of any vegetation - the overheating potential was big.

Our design thus focuses on making a cooling garden, collaborating with the buildings to provide comfort all year round. It deploys four cooling strategies simultaneously: trees and buildings provide shade (1). A running water feature provides evaporative cooling (2) while keeping the harvested rainwater in movement. Vegetation layout allows for both vertical and horizontal air movement (3). Finally, all strategies combined keep the natural stone facades cool, whose thermal mass (4) radiates the cold back to the inhabitants.

Each courtyard embodies a different idea for its flora: the northern courtyard relates to the surrounding wilderness, while the middle one is conceived as an orchard. The southern court aims at improving local ecosystems with aromatics and pollinators.

All building entrances along the courtyard face the cooling gardens, making the refreshment part of arriving. Water features, paths and stairs form a spatial composition in the landscape, seeking alignment with the buildings themselves. Starting from the street, you pass through a passage into the courtyard garden, instantly feeling the cool. After following the stone path, you enter your home and are greeted by the blue mediterranean sea.