Green Cape Botanico

Client: Silk Development

Program: Residential | 16,600 sq.m

Collaborators: Construction Management: Anagi I Structural Engineer: Progresi

Team: Devi Kituashvili, Gogiko Sakvarelidze, Maria Pelangia, Marita Rurua, Salome Katsadze, Boka Kilasonia, Levan Dzegvelashvili

The project is located on Green Cape (Mtsvane Konktshi), one of the most attractive seaside resorts within 9 kilometers from Batumi on the Black Sea coast. The site sits within the lush vegetation overlooking the sea and is easily accessible from the main road. The neighboring Batumi botanical garden, with its unparalleled flora, further adds to the charm. The surroundings are mostly characterized by low-rise individual houses and tourist facilities. Old rundown but still beautiful Soviet-era vacation houses are scattered all over the settlement. 

The masterplan for Green Cape Botanico is a carefully crafted blend of modern architecture, natural landscape preservation, and community-centered design. The masterplan consists of two meticulously designed apartment buildings, with a third building, House of Wellness, creating a seamless connection between living spaces and recreational facilities.

We have left the old routes untouched, breathing new life into them, which now runs between the two apartment buildings. With the open hotel typology strongly connected to its surroundings, the design and architecture are driven by simplicity. Each floor, made of transparent glass stretching from floor to ceiling, affords spectacular views on all sides. 

Our principal goal was to integrate the buildings into the territory seamlessly and merge it with the existing topography. The whole concept revolves around preserving the landscape and the environment — the contours of the building run through the actual terrain, safeguarding the character of the place. The lightness of the volume is achieved by slightly elevating the building, allowing the drive-through and parking-area development.

The third building - Green Cape House of Wellness is designed as a recreational space for residents from Green Cape Botanico Apartment Buildings as well as other visitors of the resort. The four-level structure involves outdoor and indoor activities located at a four-minute walking distance from the beach.

During the design process of this part of the complex, we had three images in mind: an image of the existing landscape coupled with ongoing developments, an image of the modernism of Green Cape’s recreational facilities from Soviet Union times, and worldwide references of the buildings with similar functions. 

The architecture of the building represents local memory updated with contemporary elements and engaged with a unique local atmosphere. The final design represents a raw concrete structure elevated fromthe  ground and curved in corners. Space underneath the rooftop pool is floating in between slabs, leaving more air above the restaurant terrace. The dramatic staircase at the entrance emphasizes the starting point for the entertainment and relaxation activities.

The main challenges during the design were the existing landscape, loaded programs, and restrictions of the small land plot. The importance of minimizing excavation works underground was clear to preserve existing hilly landscape and vegetation. This led to the design of an open ground level with parking spaces; Restaurant and all the main functions are arranged at upper levels topped with the open deck swimming pools / recreation area. A restaurant with a terrace and a gym occupy middle levels with direct views towards the stunning Green Cape beach.

Technical spaces are a crucial part of this building. Technical areas are arranged hidden behind the swimming pools, however, building contours do not hesitate to hint at their existence. Parts of the HVAC systems are left visible at the backside of the building. Changing rooms, public toilets, a kitchen, storage, staff rooms, and sanitary facilities are arranged at the rear façade. The terrace at the top level with the main and kids’ swimming pools has an open kitchen and bar with an overhanging concrete canopy.