Albanian entrepreneur Alban Xhillari is behind Folie Village, a development in Jalë that combines hospitality, architecture and the local economy. It comprises private villas and apartments with sea views, integrated with service amenities and shared spaces.
Architecture rooted in place
Oppenheim Architecture drew inspiration from the heritage and natural setting of Jalë and nearby villages such as Vuno and Dhërmi. The practice studied Vuno’s traditional buildings, including their thick walls and approaches to shade, and the concept features arches, courtyards, green verandas and buildings that follow the terrain.
The environmental approach includes local materials, green spaces for shade, and electric buggies to limit conventional traffic and reduce noise and emissions.
Local economy links
The project aims to buy local produce for its restaurants and employ local staff, and Oppenheim’s concept envisages spaces where residents can run cafés, bakeries and small businesses.
A premium play
Folie Village targets travellers seeking privacy, distinctive architecture and well-organised services, through private villas, family villas and apartments. That fits the wider push in Albanian tourism to earn more from each stay and extend the season.
The developer
Xhillari’s businesses, which include the Millenium cinemas, Folie Terrace, Folie Marine and Soleil Village & Villas, employ more than 2,800 people and have employed over 11,000 in roughly 30 years. His Millenium Group has also been active in construction since 1995.
