Synchro Yards - Aeris

Luxury and resilience are by no means mutually exclusive. 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 concept of luxury living has been redefined by the launch of Synchro Yards, an unparalleled waterfront community settled on the golden shores of Montenegro’s UNESCO protected Bay of Kotor. As well as being designed to capture the airy, azure splendour of the bay, Synchro Yards pays sophisticated homage to the setting’s prior life as a maritime naval shipyard. Initially home to the Austro Hungarian Navy and Later the Yugoslav Submarine Fleet, it has always been a place defined by maritime history and endeavour – this development continues the Bay of Kotor’s long history as a safe, secluded harbour. In many ways the most precious of architectural inspirations, history and nature are irreplaceable and thus have informed the overarching vision for Synchro Yards. The beauty of modern nautical design, the copper colour of the Boka Bay sunset and the historic use of copper to protect boat hulls inspired the design of Aeris – which is the signature residential building at Synchro Yards. With restrained references to the Venetian Republics Italianate villas it remembers its setting but is distinctly modern in its form– evident in certain material choices, spatial elements and the sculptural, hull-like form of the building. Designed to sit on the marina pontoon and to feel at ease amongst some of the world’s most beautiful vessels. Aeris’ site on the narrow pontoon, cantilevering over the waters edge, dictates a long floor plan that is seen from all sides equally, it only has primary elevations. This challenge 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. The exterior envelope is defined by a strong horizontal expression, clad in anodized “copper” triangulated panels, creating a direction dynamic to the building 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 whilst still maintaining a light feel to the building. The structural strategy prioritises safety whilst equally addressing the functionality required for its marine setting. 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.