AbA 1

Situated between Farka Lake and the Sanatorium area, AbA Residence occupies a strategically positioned site on the outskirts of Tirana. While offering the environmental qualities of a peripheral location—natural greenery, clean air, ample sunlight, and open views—it remains well-connected to the city. The site lies just 10 minutes from the city center and 5 minutes from Tirana’s Grand Ring Road, providing both quiet surroundings and efficient access. This combination of calm context and urban proximity makes it a suitable setting for a contemporary residential development.
The site features a moderate slope descending westward, offering clear views toward the city of Tirana. This topographic condition was used to the project's advantage through the creation of seven terraced levels that follow the natural contours of the land. The development consists of three-story villa structures, grouped in pairs or triplets, and distributed across these seven distinct levels. This approach allows the architecture to integrate seamlessly with the terrain while maximizing visual connection with the surrounding landscape.
Due to the sloping terrain, each villa features dual-level access:​ upper entry at the second floor and lower entry at the ground floor. This split-level design optimizes circulation and leverages the natural landscape for convenient, efficient access from both sides. Each villa is organized across four levels. The semi-basement level accommodates parking spaces, a bathroom, and a flexible-use room. The ground floor hosts the open-plan living area, designed as a flexible space that can easily adapt to different needs. The third floor contains the sleeping zone with two bedrooms, while the fourth level is a usable terrace offering unobstructed views. This layout ensures a clear functional separation between living, sleeping, and utility areas, while maximizing indoor-outdoor connection.
 

The villas are characterized by their bright white façades, creating a striking contrast with the abundant surrounding greenery. This crisp white appearance is achieved through smooth plaster finishes combined with the ETICS (External Thermal Insulation Composite System), which improves the building's thermal performance while maintaining a clean aesthetic. To accentuate the entrances on the ground floor, a textured Turado plaster is applied on both sides. Doors and windows are generously sized to provide clear views and maximize natural light and ventilation throughout the building. Part of the white façade includes the utility pipes, which are strategically placed on the solid side façade and finished in the same color as the façade. This careful integration minimizes visual impact, preserving the architectural integrity of the villas while allowing easy access for maintenance and ensuring functional efficiency.

The interior material palette is deliberately minimal and neutral, aiming to create a calm and timeless atmosphere. All walls are finished in smooth white plaster, enhancing natural light and spatial clarity. Bathrooms are fully tiled with ceramic finishes, while flooring throughout the living areas is covered with light-toned laminate. The overall composition reflects simplicity, comfort, and a subdued aesthetic aligned with the project’s residential character.
Approximately 70% of the site is allocated to open green spaces, which include private landscaped areas accessible individually by each villa. A considerable portion is designated as shared communal green space, incorporating children’s playgrounds to promote social interaction within the development. The complex is not enclosed by perimeter walls or gates but is defined solely by landscaping elements. The access roads are designed following the Woonerf concept—shared streets prioritizing pedestrian and cyclist safety while allowing limited vehicular access. These parallel service roads run opposite each villa, ensuring convenient and safe access for both vehicles and pedestrians.