Building Harmony Between Architecture and Nature
In this edition of Onia Talks, we sit down with Lazar Suković, our Project Manager, to explore what makes Onia Hills Resort & Residences development stand out on the Montenegrin coast. From sustainability and design integrity to challenges on-site, Šuković shares the philosophy behind a project that redefines coastal living.
WHAT SETS ONIA HILLS PROJECT APART FROM OTHER DEVELOPMENTS IN MONTENEGRO?
Onia Hills is one of the few, if not the only, projects in Montenegro where the investor chose not to maximize the allowed urban parameters. Instead, we made a conscious decision to design all buildings one floor lower than permitted — ensuring the entire resort blends naturally with its surroundings. That choice alone, prioritizing harmony over density, says a lot about how different Onia Hills is from anything else on the market.
HOW DO YOU ENSURE THE LONGEVITY AND SAFETY OF EACH BUILDING, ESPECIALLY GIVEN THE LOCAL CLIMATE AND TERRAIN?
Our primary task on-site is to follow the highly detailed and precise project documentation with minimal deviation. Using specified, high-quality materials and ensuring proper installation and treatment will undoubtedly result in safe, durable, and long-lasting buildings.
HOW DO MATERIALS USED CORRESPOND TO THE PROJECT PLAN?
Material choice directly supports the long-term stability and aesthetics of the resort — something I already touched on earlier.
WHAT DOES THE CONSTRUCTION PROCESS LOOK LIKE, AND HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN QUALITY CONTROL AT EVERY STAGE?
The resort consists of six main buildings, along with complex landscaping works — possibly the most intricate part of the project. We planned the construction sequence carefully, giving each structure its own timeline and rhythm of finishing works. Daily site inspections and frequent coordination meetings with contractors ensure strict quality control across all phases.
ARE YOU APPLYING SUSTAINABLE OR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES IN CONSTRUCTION?
Yes, sustainability was built into the project from day one. Beyond using modern, efficient technologies and materials, we set three key sustainability goals during the design phase:
- Preservation of nature — Every olive tree found on-site is being temporarily transplanted and will be replanted during the landscaping phase to preserve the natural setting.
- Reuse of natural resources — Stone excavated from the site is being stored and will later be reused for internal retaining and boundary walls.
- Renewable energy — In the final phase, solar panels will be installed on the rooftops, forming a combined solar power plant to provide clean energy for the hotel and communal areas.
The first two initiatives are already well underway, and the third will crown the project’s sustainability efforts.
HOW DO YOU COLLABORATE WITH ARCHITECTS AND DESIGNERS TO ACHIEVE THE UNIFIED VISION OF ONIA HILLS?
I’ve been working with our architectural team for many years, and we’ve built a strong foundation of trust and understanding. Our shared goal is for Onia Hills to be recognized for its quality and authenticity.
We achieved that with our previous project — Onia in Budva — for which the architectural studio NRA Atelier received several prestigious awards. I’m confident we’ll repeat that success here.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE DURING THE CONSTRUCTION OF ONIA HILLS, AND HOW ARE YOU OVERCOMING IT?
The biggest challenge is the limited construction season, combined with the unpredictable coastal weather. To address this, we developed optimized schedules and engaged reliable, proven partners and contractors.
That’s how we ensure consistency and deliver a product that stands out on the Montenegrin market.
AS A PROJECT MANAGER, WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
I’m proud that we’ve managed to keep the focus firmly on quality — and that everyone involved understands it’s non-negotiable. It’s the one area where compromise simply isn’t an option.
WOULD YOU PERSONALLY BUY AN APARTMENT AT ONIA HILLS?
Absolutely. In a market driven mostly by mass residential production, projects like Onia Hills are a real breath of fresh air. It’s a place designed with purpose, care, and longevity in mind.
FROM AN ENGINEER’S PERSPECTIVE, WHAT DOES A BUYER GAIN BY INVESTING IN ONIA HILLS?
Onia Hills will be a true oasis of peace, offering residents everything they need within the resort itself — a place where you don’t need to leave to feel fulfilled. From an investment perspective, it’s also a secure opportunity that promises a return above expectations.
Interested to discover more about our project?
Call us:+38269566193
E-mail us: info@oniahills.me
Visit our website: www.oniahills.me