Zaha Hadid Architects Plans the Nest Residential and Hotel Developments
Amy Duong — June 10, 2026 — Art & Design
References: zaha-hadid
Zaha Hadid Architects has revealed plans for The Nest and The Cascades, two residential-led developments in Tirana’s Kodra e Dielli district. Designed to address growing demand for apartment living in an area traditionally defined by villas and townhouses, the projects will introduce a mix of housing, hospitality, and public amenities. The Nest comprises four apartment buildings containing one- to three-bedroom residences, while The Cascades expands the existing Arka Art Hotel with a new hotel wing and residential accommodation.
Both developments are shaped by deep terraces, cantilevered balconies, and recessed openings designed to respond to Tirana’s climate. The Nest will feature clay-based cladding in tones inspired by the surrounding landscape, including terracotta and deep red finishes referencing the area's iron-rich soil. The Cascades will incorporate cascading garden terraces, landscaped courtyards, and a 60-metre extension to the hotel’s swimming pool. Sustainability measures across the project include rooftop solar arrays, rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, permeable paving, and native planting.
Image Credit: Engram
Both developments are shaped by deep terraces, cantilevered balconies, and recessed openings designed to respond to Tirana’s climate. The Nest will feature clay-based cladding in tones inspired by the surrounding landscape, including terracotta and deep red finishes referencing the area's iron-rich soil. The Cascades will incorporate cascading garden terraces, landscaped courtyards, and a 60-metre extension to the hotel’s swimming pool. Sustainability measures across the project include rooftop solar arrays, rainwater harvesting systems, green roofs, permeable paving, and native planting.
Image Credit: Engram
Trend Themes
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Terraced Urban Living — Climate-responsive terraces and cantilevered balconies signal opportunities for dense residential projects that combine apartment demand with outdoor comfort and distinctive architectural identity.
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Hospitality-residential Hybrids — Mixed-use developments pairing hotel expansions with residential accommodation create new models for shared amenities, extended-stay revenue, and neighborhood-scale destination building.
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Landscape-integrated Sustainability — Green roofs, native planting, rainwater harvesting, and permeable paving reflect a shift toward developments where ecological infrastructure becomes a visible part of the real estate value proposition.
Industry Implications
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Residential Real Estate — Apartment-led projects in traditionally low-density districts reveal potential for premium multifamily formats tailored to changing urban lifestyles and land-use pressures.
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Architecture and Design — Expressive forms using recessed openings, clay-based cladding, and cascading gardens point to differentiated design services rooted in local climate, materiality, and cultural context.
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Hospitality Development — Hotel properties enhanced with residential components, expanded pools, and landscaped public amenities indicate emerging pathways for resorts and urban hotels to diversify guest experiences and asset performance.
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