Town House & Garden revamp

Lija, Malta

Add To Collection

Other Projects by CVCarchitecture

Add To Collection

Town House & Garden revamp

Lija, Malta

Firm

CVCarchitecture

Type

Residential › Private House

STATUS

Built

YEAR

2012

This property is hidden inside an alley in a traditional quaint village. The homeowners decided to refurbish their property to cater to their modern lifestyle. Their brief was to have a home where they could entertain their friends, where their children can take a dip in the pool, where they could read a book under an orange tree in the garden, or just relax and just enjoy the breeze around the central courtyard. Previously, the garden was a sparsely used space. Its awkward layout did not allow it to be enjoyed to the full. Although space was limited the final result managed to unlock the potential of the space whilst retaining the typical character of the old village garden. The citrus trees, possibly over a hundred years old were considered as an integral part of the site and thus the new pool was designed around them. Due to site restrictions, it was decided to raise the pool to eliminate the need for rock excavation. The implementation of a glass wall in the pool, renders the intervention light on the eye, essentially suspending a mass of water in harmony with the natural feel of the timber deck, granite wall, and travertine floor. All of this sits in juxtaposition with the original walls built in traditional stone. Thus, the pool together with its deck sits proud as a water feature in its own
right, it backs up as a bench to sit on, a garden shed where tools are stored within, as a planter in which a tree grows. Thus it gives back to the homeowners a garden that is as practical to live with as it is beautiful to sit in. The custom elements such as the canopy-cum light, fire log holders and shower complete the fusion of design elements that come together creating a
feeling of cool and calmness. Before the intervention, the main staircase of the house was located externally in the
central courtyard, whilst a small spiral, service staircase was found indoors. Of course, this arrangement was not practical for the homeowners, and this issue was the next to be dealt with. Part of the courtyard was roofed over to re-arrange the circulation of the house. A glass and steel structure was used, and the new inside and outside space were paved in the same material in order to retain the open feel of the courtyard. The highest part of the structure - above the staircase - was covered by an insulated timber box, since this part of the courtyard receives most direct sunlight and is subsequently prone to overheating. The stairs were re-clad in white quartz to enhance
reflectivity and the proliferation of light into the stairwell. The result is a traditional courtyard with a contemporary intervention which renders the space usable throughout the year, yet retaining the feel and look of outdoor space.
Further interventions can be seen throughout the rest of the house, such as on the mezzanine level where a custom made staircase was designed incorporating a large storage unit. From here, one can enjoy the hanging garden, clever use of vertical
space which hides unsightly services whilst at the same time incorporating the element of green throughout the central core of the house and thus freeing much-needed floorspace in the courtyard. The design and implementation of bespoke
furniture and sensitive planning, together with careful detailing of quality finishes ensure that this traditional house can today be enjoyed by the homeowners in a contemporary setting whilst exploiting every nook and cranny it has
to offer.