dilijan . parz blur

The apartment complex is located in close proximity to the Dilijan Nature Reserve, in suburbs of the city of Dilijan, Armenia. It is surrounded by mountainous landscape, and every window opening offers an impressive view towards the national park.

The complex is located on a hill, at an altitude of about 1700 meters above the sea level, among dense woods, in a secluded serenity, far away from the urban bustle and dynamic life. The complex itself is barely visible among the woods, it is delicately embedded in the natural context.

The site is distinguished by a steep terrain, sharply descending from the peak of the mountain slope. Such environment requires a precise and tactful approach for working with the terrain, either it appeals to the region’s historical past and its local context. Armenia is widely known for its mountain settlements with large complexes on steep mountainsides. During our work the team researched traditional fortresses, monasteries and residential structures, figuring out the local morphotypes and identical artifacts of the region. Some of these evidences built up the basis for further concept.

Like monolithic monastic walls the architecture suddenly emerges from the mountain slopes, following the natural landscape. Massing follows the aspirations for delicacy and strictness of clear forms and lines - the volumes slenderly and stepwise climb up the hillside. Large panoramic glazing adds lightness and ethereality to the silhouette, creating the effect of immersive presence and dissolution into the landscape. The galleried apartment blocks are oriented towards the natural reserve with loggias.

The clear façade lines are supported by the light texture of local burnt wood used as finishes.

In addition to the intention of creating intimacy and sense of unity with nature, the program of the complex offers to its residents a variety of public spaces in the lobbies on the every first floors of the buildings, as well as the spa center with indoor and outdoor swimming pools with a terrace overlooking the natural reserve.