oppenheim architecture unveils all-red vlore beach tower as part of albania’s coastal revival

Oppenheim Architecture reveals 21-story landmark in Albania

 

Set against the shimmering backdrop of the Adriatic Sea, Vlore Beach Tower by Oppenheim Architecture introduces a striking presence to Albania’s fast-changing waterfront skyline as part of the city’s Beach Urban Development (find designboom’s previous coverage here).

 

Just three kilometers south of Vlore’s historic center, this all-red architectural landmark is taking shape and is currently under construction. Rising 21 stories from a prominent corner site along the developing marina district of the city, the project responds to a place in flux. As Vlore grows and its waterfront transforms, this residential tower aims to anchor that change.

all visualizations by MIR 

 

 

all-red concrete facade envelopes Vlore Beach Tower

 

For the design, the Miami- and Basel-based team at Oppenheim Architecture design takes cues from the idea of genius loci, the spirit of place, a concept made famous by Norwegian architect and theorist Christian Norberg-Schulz. Vlore Beach Tower aims to belong to its setting, an intention that comes through in its material choices. The facade is made of bush-hammered concrete, its warm reddish tone reflecting the mineral palette of southern Albania. Loggias wrap around each residential level, offering shade, air, and framed views of the sea, extending daily life outdoors in a way that feels natural for the Mediterranean climate.

 

At street level, a large volumetric carve-out forms a public plaza and retail frontage, activating the base of the tower and connecting it to the beach and the adjacent Vlore Beach Masterplan. This threshold invites passersby into the space, encouraging movement between the promenade, the marina, and the tower’s public realm. Part of this base includes a media wall of vertical LED strips, which can display digital art, storytelling, or even local events. 

this all-red architectural landmark is taking shape and is currently under construction

 

 

107 residential units compose the project

 

Vlore Beach Tower houses 107 residential units, ranging from compact one-bedrooms to expansive duplex penthouses, each oriented for optimal views and daylight. The uppermost floor is reserved as a private sanctuary for the penthouses’ resting spaces, while a rooftop bar offers panoramic views of the water and the city beyond — becoming a shared social landmark. Circulation is kept clear and intuitive, with dedicated entrances for residences, offices, the rooftop venue, and the underground garage, the latter of which preserves the ground plane as a fully walkable and public urban surface.

 

Through this project, Oppenheim Architecture aims to contribute meaningfully to the transformation of Albania’s southern coastline with a design that suggests a model of contextual sensitivity. 

the project responds to a place in flux

at street level, a large volumetric carve-out forms a public plaza and retail frontage

a striking presence to Albania’s fast-changing skyline

this residential tower aims to anchor the Vlore waterfront transformation

extending daily life outdoors

loggias wrap around each residential level, offering shade, air, and framed views of the sea

Vlore Beach Tower houses 107 residential units

the uppermost floor is reserved as a private sanctuary for the penthouses’ resting spaces

encouraging movement between the promenade, the marina, and the tower’s public realm

rising 21 stories from a prominent corner site along the developing marina district of the city

 

project info:

 

name: Vlore Beach Tower

architect: Oppenheim Architecture | @oppenheimarchitecture

location: Vlore, Albania

land area: 1,558 square meters

built-up area: 16,576 square meters

 

client: Materia Cons 01

architect of record: Laago Architects

Oppenheim team: Chad Oppenheim, Beat Huesler, Tom McKeogh, Rasem Kamal, Jose Maria Urbiola, Joana Sousa, Kristijan Markoc, Daniela Abella, Olha Tymczuk, Martino Cucurnia, Inaya Berger, Samuel Heitz

visualizations: MIR | @mir.no

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