Mestia Ariport

Khmaladze Architects

/

Ready to Build (Permitted Projects) – Masterplanning. City Planning. Transport. Urban landscape

/

Georgia

Company Name

Khmaladze Architects

 

COMPANY COUNTRY:

Georgia

ARCHITECTURAL CREDITS

Khmaladze Architects

Project Team
Giorgi Khmaladze, Harold Saakiani, Rezi Kratsashvili, Mariam Moseshvili, Mariam Gogesashvili, Avtandil Margishvili
CLIENT OR OWNER NAME:

United Airports of Georgia

Project Name:
Mestia Ariport
Project Country:

Georgia

Project City:
Mest’ia
Project Category:
Masterplanning. City Planning. Transport. Urban landscape
Project Area:
1400
Completion Date:
Project overview

The proposal integrates Mestia Airport Terminal into the surrounding alpine landscape. Two artificial green hills accommodate technical, operational, and service spaces, while a transparent central hall between them houses the waiting, departure and arrival areas. It offers uninterrupted views toward the runway. A circular green roof becomes the project’s defining fifth façade, blending the building into the valley and minimizing its visual impact while creating a clear architectural landmark.

Project history
Commissioned through a public design competition to expand Mestia Airport, the project responds to the growing tourism in Svaneti and the need for increased passenger capacity while preserving the region’s sensitive mountain landscape. The site’s visibility from surrounding roads, slopes, and settlements shaped the design approach, leading to a solution that considers the terminal as a continuation of the existing terrain rather than an isolated object. Local stone retaining walls extend seamlessly from exterior to interior, reinforcing the connection between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The proposal creates an efficient and context-sensitive transport facility that improves regional connectivity while providing visitors and residents with a welcoming gateway to Svaneti. By balancing contemporary infrastructure with the character of the region, the project strengthens the relationship between the airport, the community, and the unique identity of the landscape.