Elegance on the Adriatic

As well as being designed to capture the airy, azure splendor of the bay, Synchro Yards pays sophisticated homage to Porto Montenegro’s prior life as a maritime naval shipyard. Initially home to Austro Hungarian Navy and later the Yugoslav Submarine Fleet, the site has long been defined by maritime history and endeavor. Tranquil and secluded, the Synchro Yards development is the next chapter in the Bay of Kotar’s longer history as a safe harbour.

“In many ways the most precious of architectural inspirations, history and nature are irreplaceable and thus have informed the overarching vision for Synchro Yard,” explains Principal and Project Lead Julian Cross. 

Elegant and keenly considered, Synchro Yard’s signature residential building – AERIS – draws design inspiration from the beauty of modern nautical design and the colour copper – found both in the flaming hues of the Boka Bay sunset and the historic use of copper on boat hulls to protect from the ever-shifting rhythms of the sea and wind.

“With restrained references to the Venetian Republics Italianate villas, AERIS remembers its setting but is distinctly modern in its form – the building was designed to sit on the marina pontoon and to feel at ease amongst some of the world’s most beautiful vessels,” says Cross.

Situated on the site’s narrow pontoon, AERIS cantilevers over the water’s edge. This position dictates a long floor plan seen equally from all sides. In turn, this meant the apartments were designed as through units, affording double or even triple aspect, creating a permeability to the building and extraordinary vistas at all times of day for residents and visitors.

Clad in anodized ‘copper’ triangulated panels, AERIS’s exterior envelope is defined by a strong horizontal expression which creates the impression of the building moving towards the bay. This horizontal is contrasted by the superstructure which references yacht design whilst also concealing the two cores that ground the building. The structural design accounts for the area’s high seismic activity whilst also addressing the complexity of building on the sea edge yet still maintaining a light feel to the building – a strategy that prioritises safety and functionality in equal parts.

“Luxury and resilience are by no means mutually exclusive,” says Cross, “the process of transforming a naval base into a luxury marina required a deep commitment to innovation and a detailed understanding of the site’s unique traits.”

The Synchro Yards project aligns with Woods Bagot’s commitment to sustainable design and innovation. Aiming for LEED and WELL certifications, the facilities will incorporate environmentally friendly features and materials, aiming to achieve high levels of energy efficiency and reduce the project’s carbon footprint.

Construction on the Synchro Yards began at the end of 2023, with completion scheduled for 2026.