00:09When I first found the space it had no roof and only two walls that were part of the staircase
00:15of the building. It was originally just laundry space for washing and drying. What it did have
00:23were great views of the surrounding neighborhood with charming glimpses of Valletta and several
00:29church domes. Growing up spending summers on boats shaped how I think about function so the
00:36bespoke joinery is designed to optimize every inch of the space much like a cabin. The apartment
00:44is currently rented by a creator from Germany. It serves both as a quiet retreat and a practical
00:50base for her freelance projects.
00:57You're surrounded by history here, full of museums, restaurants and marina views.
01:07It's the kind of place where you can grab a coffee, wander past centuries old walls and
01:13still be home in time for lunch. For the renovation we completely changed the open
01:20air rooftop into a fully functional apartment. I extended the walls around the staircase to
01:26create new external walls that would enclose the apartment. What we ended up with is a one
01:33bedroom apartment with a kitchen, dining, living room and bathroom and a terrace with an outdoor
01:39barbecue area. We placed the bedroom furthest from the terrace for a cosier feel. The awkward
01:46angles at the back were squared off to create triangular storage units.
01:53Is it a book? Is it a mag? I'm a magazine alright, but a magazine like no other. Look at
01:58me go.
01:59I'm designy and architecturey with experimental furniture and design ideas for your small home coming out my
02:05way. And specifically designed page by page to make you go ah and oh that's cool.
02:12Hang out with Italian artist Zuzu in her cave of dreams. Get inspired by Barcelona-based
02:17punk product designer Kuro Claret. Try not to smile in response to Camille Wallalla's Technicolor
02:22masterpieces. Delight in the shape-shifting interactive and small space friendly textile furniture of Luna
02:28Havercorn. Meet some bastards from Bangkok. Learn what car crashes have to do with Aldo Rossi's sexy
02:34coffee pots and poetic cemeteries. Get your small home's fix with three very different pads from Spain,
02:39Australia and Japan and plunge into the playfully nostalgic world of Brazilian duo Two Lost Kids.
02:46You've never met a mag like me. Get your copy now.
02:55From the entrance of the building there is then two flights of stairs which lead you to the entrance of
03:02the main apartment. The original entrance step could not be lowered. To address this a small wooden step
03:10was introduced to break up the height difference. Stepping inside two hooks sit by the door for jackets and
03:17bags. While a large mirror reflects light and plays with the proportions creating the illusion of a
03:23bigger space. There is a bit of a height difference between the entrance and the living room. This comes
03:30from the history of the building. The room below was originally the Sala Nobile, the family room,
03:36which traditionally had a higher ceiling height. The step up creates a sense of transition evoking the
03:43feeling of entering a separate space and a more defined space. We chose two large bespoke armchairs
03:52designed to be robust yet lightweight so that you can move them and arrange them as you please. Along
03:59the living room wall are some integrated night lights to make it easier for finding your way at night.
04:05The ceiling was left in exposed raw concrete showing the original shuttering and adding texture to the space.
04:13The beige and blue two-tone flooring creates a clear separation between the kitchen and living areas.
04:23The bespoke kitchen runs along the longest back wall. We finished it in a blue tone to visually extend
04:31the space to the blue skies outside. It wraps around the niche and the large mirrors splash back.
04:39The mirror reflects the terrace views to visually expand the space.
04:44The kitchen countertop is finished in the same beige micro cement used on the apartment floor.
04:50Subtle strip lighting under the cabinetry enhances the lightweight feel.
04:57At the end of the kitchen we created a triangular cabinet.
05:02It follows the diagonal design language in other parts of the apartment.
05:08The dining counter faces out towards the terrace with the views of the open blue sky.
05:15The counter is rather generous in size and there are two stools that can be tucked away when not in
05:20use.
05:21The corner of the counter has the same triangular design as the kitchen.
05:28There is an open pigeon hole under that functions as a small appliance garage.
05:37The terrace was designed as an extension of the apartment's playful geometry,
05:41with bespoke planters incorporating diagonal lines that echo the interior.
05:47Their layout balances privacy with openness, including a dip at one end,
05:52to frame the views of Valletta, Dock One and the surrounding church domes.
05:58I added a compact barbecue station against a high privacy wall.
06:04As the plants in the plant is mature, they would give extra greenery to the apartment and provide
06:09some extra privacy and shading.
06:18The sleeping area is behind the dramatic blue velvet curtain, which separates the night and day zone.
06:26The bespoke wardrobe incorporates a few open pockets for quick grab items and to display personal touches,
06:35like books, magazines or travel mementos. We added lighting in the shelves so you can easily see your books.
06:44Directly opposite the bed are traditional style windows in a bold primary yellow to connect to the
06:50building's vernacular while nodding to the Bauhaus-inspired palette.
06:55As the building sits within an urban conservation area, we've recreated traditional mortise wooden apertures
07:02with louvered shutters.
07:08The built-in bed sits on a solid wood base with strategically cut ventilation hose.
07:15Integrated lighting is set into different parts of the custom structure,
07:18creating soft glows around the sleeping area.
07:23A smaller headboard replaces the need for a bedside table.
07:31The bathroom is behind a fully custom red door.
07:36Its circular geometry with fluted glass allows natural lights to filter through while maintaining privacy.
07:43The bathroom continues the apartment's geometrical play.
07:48With a bold two-tone diagonal floor where blue micro-cement meets vibrant red mosaic tiles.
07:57I designed the bespoke paddle mirror to sit on a tulip pole with a circular shelf.
08:02The organic form of the mirror contrasts playfully with the surrounding diagonal lines,
08:07echoed subtly in the handle of the faucet.
08:12Colour blocking visually divides the space.
08:15With the burst of primary red in the shower adding an unexpected hint of fun.
08:21A recessed nook in the shower includes its own light to highlight storage items.
08:30From the entrance of the building I added a laundry space for washing and drying clothes.
08:40For me, designing a small space is about creating an environment that stares emotion,
08:46while working effortlessly on a functional level.
08:50I approach every inch with intention.
08:53So bespoke joinery, adaptable furniture and integrated storage are essential.
09:03So bespoke joinery, adaptable furniture, adaptable furniture, and adaptable furniture.
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09:21Bye.
