Sustainable Rehabilitation, Responsible Architecture

Redefining the Family Home

Location:
Birżebbuġa, Malta
Year:
2019 - 2021
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Starting with the setback volume defined by policy provisions, the mass was sculpted in order to generate more facade planes. This articulation enabled the insertion of a well-sized outdoor pool onto the terrace, as well as the possibility of adding more east-facing apertures that exploit morning sunlight penetration and beautiful country views. The glazed U-shaped recess wraps around the pool, generating the possibility of an interactive breakfast area or working zone. The sculpted mass and apertures therein enable a better indoor-outdoor interface, creating the opportunity of a seamless transition; in particular, the signature corner aperture opens up the interiors to the panoramic view outside and, conversely, draws the surrounding landscape in. The space, flooded in natural light, becomes a composition of intersecting glazed progressions, allowing a view through whether one is inside or outside. Clean, bold lines define the L-shaped open plan area, primarily worked using a palette of varying whites, bouncing off the natural light entering the property. The neutral palette enables a better framing of the surrounding green landscape and, due to the indoor-outdoor transition, the white walls become a canvas that is given colour and life through the exterior views, full-height picture frames in their own right.

Photos by Ramon Portelli