The TAKA HOUSE
Collaboration with Elio Hobdari and Rudina Papavasili
The TAKA HOUSE in Konispol (ALBANIA)
Situated in the old town of Konispol (Southern Albania), on the top of a hill
looking over both the Albanian and Greek Ionian coasts, the House of Alush Taka
(the Taka family) is one of the best examples of the residential architecture
in Konispol and the surrounding areas.
The importance of the complex is enhanced by the name of the family, also
connected with the “Dance of Osman Taka”, a top spiritual heritage of
Albania. The main building itself materializes the historical vicissitudes of
Albanian lands between the XIX century and the beginning of the XXI one.
Building archaeology clearly shows the origin of the house as a tower-type
house (kullë), maybe in the first half of the XIX century. Well-known and
highly enhanced as a symbol in Northern Albania and Kosovo, this type is
less emphasized in the South.
Subsequently, the leading role of the family in the area was materialized with
the transformation of the tower into a “double side” type house, a wide
residence for a powerful large family, during the second half of the XIX
century.
Then a new social and economical situation in the independent Kingdom of
Albania brought the main building to be enlarged and divided into two
residences, still preserving the values and prestige of the whole.
Post-WWII saw the house was converted into an administrative building and local
police headquarters, followed by structural interventions and new interior
arrangements. After the end of the communist period, the house fell into
decay with minor collapsed parts.
The principal task of the projecting team was to bring the eastern part of the
the main building in its original splendor, adapting it as an accommodation
structure. Research showed the opportunity to put in evidence several
details illustrating the evolution of the building (often with aesthetical
values) while preparing the design.
For the interiors, the team included many elements of traditional living
through a combination of historical and contemporary materials and
technologies.
Being the first case of such intervention in local important residential
complexes, a new original approach was to be stabilized for the exterior.
Konispol was developed into an ottoman social and urban context
characterized by large “fortified courtyards”.
Introducing Konispol in the XXI century ask a new concept of the public
space and an opportunity to enjoy the “hidden” architectural heritage behind
the walls. While preserving and enhancing the two monumental gates, the
surrounding wall of the courtyard was preferred to be kept in the actual low
height of preservation.
Constructed
- Year: 2022
- Location: Konispol