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ARCHITECTURE ISSUE NO. 03 | NOVEMBER 2021
DESIGN
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2 | Architecture & Design
“NOT AT THE COST OF BREAKING NEW GROUND”
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n the words of Perit Konrad Buhagiar, “Every society grows and tranforms itself for as long as it’s alive, but erratic unplanned growth and loss of timeless values will certainly kill the goose of golden egg fame. And assuming that the value of the golden egg is its beauty of form and its gilded shell, and not just its price, I think we may be getting it all wrong..” Konrad Buhagiar from AP Valletta was talking to Architecture & Design in an interview about his life, views and prospects. That quote underlines the general feeling today among architects and the public in general. Buhagiar, like other personalities interviewed in this magazine champions ‘good design’ but not at the cost ‘of breaking new ground’ at all cost.
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He goes on to underline the importance of being respectful of the cultural, social and phyical context. It is understandably a profound concern that most young architects need to imbue in their clients and themselves. This edition also focuses on some projects including a boutique hotel in Kerċem, Gozo, the MASP awards for Architecture and Design projects and special focus on interior design including and especially for ‘Tiny Living’ in the face of limited space and soaring property prices. Enjoy this edition...next year is a brave new year and we intend to look deeper into the consequences and obligations in this field in the face of ominous signs from climate change.
DESIGN Philippa Zammit CONTACT pzammit@mediatoday.com.mt ON THE COVER The Valletta Waterfront Architecture & Design | 3 Cover image courtesy of Valletta Cruise Port plc
CONTENTS 06
INTERVIEW WITH PERIT KONRAD BUHAGIAR
19 GREEN SPACES IN URBAN AREAS
26
CUSTOM ELEMENTS IN COMMERCIAL PROJECTS
4 | Architecture & Design
12 SANTA LUCIA BOUTIQUE HOTEL: A MARRIAGE OF NATURE AND DESIGN
22 A NEW TECHNOGYM TRAINING EXPERIENCE
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CREATING SPACES IN HOSPITALITY
14 MASP AWARDS
24 TINY LIVING
34 TLC FOR YOUR WALLS
18 30 08 17
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the archItect: KONRAD BUHAGIAR Interview by Philippa Zammit 6 | Architecture & Design
WHAT ARE YOUR EARLIEST MEMORIES OF ARCHITECTURE? There are various moments in my early life when I came into contact with the building trade which I was always attracted to. The unfinished qualities of a site of works, the stones, the dust, the unchoreographed dance of builders on ladders and in hollows in the ground, never failed to fascinate me. But I would say that my first discovery of architecture with a capital A took place one day while I was studying French in Besançon. It was the first time I was alone away from home and I was only sixteen. I knew nobody at the university and was left to my own devices. As a result, when, on one of my solitary walks on the university campus, I bumped into a group of Senegalese who invited me to join them at a feast to celebrate their National day, I immediately accepted. We hopped onto a bus and I spent the day with my new African friends in a nearby village drinking cider under a large marquee. On the way back, we stopped at a church which we sighted on the top of a hill and which I recognized from my stamp collection. It had nothing of the orthogonal, cubic qualities of the buildings I had encountered until then and it blew my mind. The church was Notre Dame du Haut by Le Corbusier. I’ll never forget it’s sculptural form, the projecting sail-like roof, the colored light streaming in from the stained glass windows, the mystic aura of its interior. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR WORK? My work is actually the work of a whole team of architects, engineers, interior architects and historians led by David Felice, my partner and myself. It is the product of the co ordinated effort of a multitude of skills and the combination of a group of minds working in a synchronized pace. There are fifty of us at AP Valletta. It is like a large family, sharing a common vision, that of contributing in a positive way to the transformation that the urban fabric of the islands must necessarily undergo. It is a considered extrapolation of the architecture of the past and, hopefully, the inspiration for, and springboard to, a renewed architecture of the future, in a continuum that is seamless. And as much as it requires training, research, expertise and technology, it has become, for us, a natural vital activity, like eating and sleeping. WHAT LED TO YOUR BIGGEST SUCCESS AS AN ARCHITECT? My biggest success, I think, stems from my belief that the Architecture is not an ego thing, but an activity that develops out of the needs and ambitions of a society. Understanding the times
you live in and the roots of the economic and social phenomena that characterise it, is fundamental to an architecture that is valid for its time. Moreover, I should add that, having studied
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My biggest success, I think, stems from my belief that Architecture is not an ego thing, but an activity that develops out of the needs and ambitions of a society. Understanding the times you live in and the roots of the economic and social phenomena that characterise it, is fundamental to an architecture that is valid for its time
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Restoration of historic monuments in the Eternal City, I became also keenly aware of the spirit that makes buildings timeless and that allows them to continue to remain relevant long after their creation. There is no recipe for this quality but it is easily recognizable even by the untrained eye. I am, together with my colleagues, constantly in search of it, ineffable as it may seem.
CAN YOU COMMENT ON SOME OF YOUR RECENT PROJECTS? Our most visible and prestigious projects include the extension of St John’s Co-Cathedral Museum to house the splendid collection of Baroque tapestries
designed by Peter Paul Rubens, and the restoration of the belfry of the Pro-Cathedral of St Paul. These are the two main temples of worship, one Catholic and the other Anglican, in our Capital city. They are, in more ways than one, the containers of our faiths, and as such, testimony to our belief that there is more to life than just that which is material. Architecture is about this conviction that by adding the spiritual to what is ostensibly just physical, you can transcend the boundaries and limitations of mere existence. We are very lucky, and, understandably, proud, to contribute to the architectural wealth of Valletta with our work on these projects. WHICH ARE THE PROJECTS YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF AND WHICH ARE YOUR LEAST FAVOURITE? Untrue as this may seem, I can find no way of expressing more interest in one project than in another. I guess it’s like asking a parent which is their least favorite child. Every project is a favorite. We do all kinds of work of different nature and scale, from interiors to individual houses to projects of urban regeneration like the Valletta Waterfront or Dock No 1 in Cospicua. Even a property valuation, which is an area we specialise in, is a form of appreciation of a building, an understanding of its place within the life of an urban center and a way of guaranteeing its survival through the interest of a potential user or resident. That said, nothing could give me more pleasure than to hear the management of the Phoenicia Hotel express how proud they are of their new pool and spa, two recent projects that AP Valletta were responsible for. WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST HIGHLIGHTED MILESTONE FOR YOU SO FAR? There are many milestones marking the path of AP Valletta’s identity. Each one is rooted in the particular moment of the firm’s life, projects commissioned, exhibitions organised and so on, and was responsible for steering the practice in a particular direction. One milestone that I am particularly attached to with a lot of affection, and, I would say, nostalgia, is a European students workshop (EASA) I attended as a tutor in 1997 that was organized on a disused train that left Copenhagen and took 350 students up to Narvik on the Arctic Circle. The train was converted into dormitories, bars, lecture and meeting rooms and became our home for two exciting weeks. It was an unforgettable experience that forged lasting friendships based on a common passion Architecture Design |I 7 for Architecture. At least fifteen of the&students
The Phoenicia Hotel Pool
Phoenicia SPA Photo by Julian Vassallo Valletta Waterfront
8 | Architecture & Design
Dock No 1 in Cospicua
Dock No 1 Photo by Patrice Peyre
met on the train eventually visited Malta to work with us, bringing with them their diverse cultural backgrounds and the different design methods of their schools, and creating the international vibe that AP Valletta is known for today. Above all, many of these young architects remained on the island and contributed in more ways than one to the thriving of architecture in Malta. IN 2021, AP WON TWO DIN L-ART HELWA AWARDS FOR MALTESE HERITAGE AND WAS ALSO SHORTLISTED FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS EUROPEAN ILUCIDARE SPECIAL PRIZE. WHAT DOES THIS MEAN TO YOU? TELL US MORE. It is always very encouraging to receive recognition and the confirmation that your work is not only valid but valuable too. Awards such as these also provide confidence in the choices you make and in the new directions your research may be taking. We also value immensely the critical appraisal of the jury that gives an outsider, albeit expert, view of the qualities of the project in question. The Illucidare Award, for example, stated that the work of AP Valletta ‘’is rooted in the theoretical principle that heritage is not static but rather in constant evolution. The firm has made Valletta into their living lab for testing new heritage ideas.” This is quite a perceptive comment because, indeed, rather than always choosing methods that are tried and tested, when we strongly feel that they are more valid for the issue at hand, we always push for the testing of new ideas of conservation that are not necessarily orthodox. This appreciation of the international jury gives us the courage to continue in this direction of research. TO YOU, WHAT MAKES A ‘GOOD DESIGN’? The qualities that make a ‘good design’ are always changing and totally ineffable and are influenced by the architectural philosophy of the moment and the building and drawing technologies that express it. I am a great fan of John Ruskin, the most eminent Victorian architectural critic, who associated architecture with the qualities of an individual person. In the light of Ruskin’s enormous influence on my architectural thinking, ‘good design’ is, for me, honest. It should be of it’s time, neither anachronistic nor trying to break new ground at all cost, respectful of its cultural, social and physical context, and should combine all the requirements of a project, the brief, budgetary constraints, climate considerations, materiality and form, with integrity. WHO DO YOU ADMIRE AND WHY? I admire Hadrian. He was the Emperor, the top man of the known world. He was a Humanist and an ardent admirer of Greece, a soldier, a philosopher and a poet. He led the Empire when it was at its largest extent, he never shied away from sitting with the people he governed and from learning from them, he founded cities and restored the great buildings he inherited from the past, the Pantheon
Dar il-Hanin Samaritan meditaion garden. Photo credit Daniel Cilia
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The Illucidare Award, for example, stated that the work of APValletta ‘’is rooted in the theoretical principle that heritage is not static but rather in constant evolution. The firm has made Valletta into their living lab for testing new heritage ideas”
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included. He was an ardent lover, a strong, wise and open-minded man. WHAT ARE THE LATEST TRENDS THAT ARE CURRENTLY INFLUENCING ARCHITECTURE IN MALTA? Hard as I try, I cannot think of any trends especially because, I think, by the time you separate the spate of ordinary building that is afflicting our island from the real essays in architecture, there is too little in number of the latter to be able to create any trend. When building and business cease to be the badly bewitched bedfellows that they are, perhaps there will be greater faith in the tangible and intangible qualities of good architecture, and more scope for trendsetting and trend-spotting.
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WHAT CURRENT MALTA ARCHITECTURE PLEASES YOU AND WHAT HURTS?
When building and business cease to be the badly bewitched bedfellows that they are, perhaps there will be greater faith in the tangible and intangible qualities of good architecture
”
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Let me just start with what hurts. What hurts is what I see all around me of the lack of awareness of the beautiful variety of life, the variety in Nature and in the work of our forebears, that far outshines the variety that a consumerist economic engine requires to keep the wheel turning. In fifty years, Malta has jumped from what was mostly rural into full blown consumerism. Every society grows and transforms itself for as long as it’s alive, but erratic unplanned growth and loss of timeless values will certainly kill the goose of golden egg fame. And assuming that the value of the golden egg is its beauty of form and it’s gilded shell, and not just its price, I think we may be getting it all wrong. On the other hand there is for me, the great pleasure of seeing young firms, many of them created by friends and ex-colleagues, who, in spite of the hurdles, setbacks, discouragement and disappointments of the profession, continue to soldier on and to resist the temptation to give up. They have my full admiration.
WHAT DO YOU ENVISION FOR THE FUTURE? I am hopeful that AP Valletta will continue to evolve its identity, keeping abreast with new developments in architectural philosophy and technologies, and remaining relevant both on the local scene and internationally. It’s contribution to the urban fabric of the island cannot outdo the tremendous amount of building which is currently changing the spirit of the country, but with precious collaborations with political, economic and cultural entities and the superposition of expertise in planning, transport, landscaping and architecture, I think we can hope for some exciting times ahead. Above all I believe AP Valletta will continue to bridge the gap between past and future, local and global, real and virtual and, especially, theory and practice.
The Barrakka Lift
St Paul’s Steeple
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A marrIage of nature and desIgn Words by Philippa Zammit
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f you thought top-quality accommodation, charming design and sustainability were mutually exclusive, think again. Situated on the little island of Gozo, away from the hustle and bustle in the quiet village of Kercem, is newly opened Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel, the ultimate rural retreat. The family-run property is located between three hills and set bang in the countryside surrounded by fresh air and impeccable views. Borne of the family’s dream of one day owning a boutique hotel all of their own, this boutique design property tells the tale of falling in love with a destination, a view, and a way of life. A marriage of nature and design, architecture and creativity, the Grech family invites guests to be inspired by the hotel’s design as a place to think, unwind and feel closer to the earth. Being in the industry for over 20 years, the Grech family knew exactly what they wanted when they started working on the building of the hotel eight years ago. In a bid to blend in with its rural surroundings, this six-story, 18-room property was built to work with nature, using four natural elements; traditional Maltese stone, wood, metal and travertine. The project was headed by Gozo’s very own Perit Teddie Busuttil, an architect with over 45 years of experience in the sector and who took on this project, which he held very close to his heart. Perit Busuttil worked hand in hand every step of the way with interior designer Carlo Schembri and team to achieve the dream masterpiece family Grech had wished for. But inside, the place is geared to the 21st-century traveller, with modern furnishings, up-to-date amenities and an outdoor pool with a heated jacuzzi. Walk through the main entrance and you’ll see a contemporary well-lit spacious lobby with bright coloured armchairs, a bar and lounge, stunning light fixtures, and similarly modern suites; a look that instantly attracts families and makes them feel at home.
12 | Architecture & Design Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel, Gozo
It’s a bright and joyful affair at Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel, with light streaming in from large windows. Each and every room has been hallmarked with the property’s distinctive style, but all are individually decorated and designed uniquely with elements of nature in mind. The expertly furnished rooms are designed
with comfort and convenience in mind and two of the suites are even equipped with their own Jacuzzi and even a sauna! The panoramic terrace will give you your fill of greenery and sunny afternoons. Parking? No problem. Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel is equipped with a convenient car park, where guests can leave their car safe without worries. Among these features, is something you might not immediately notice, the VRF and UFH technology as well as mechanical ventilation, chosen for guest comfort, reliability and energy efficiency as well as the elimination of bulky equipment. These three featres are all controlled by a Building Management System (BMS), which is an extremely energy efficient means of precisely regulating the temperature. More often than not, the rooms or zones within the building will need to operate at differing temperatures. The cooling and heating requirements of the hotel inevitably change throughout the day, typically as a result of varying occupancy, heat emitting equipment and lighting, changes in outdoor temperature and notably, the position of the sun. The combined effect of these internal and external influences often means that some areas of the building require cooling, while simultaneously, other areas require heating to maintain a constant and comfortable internal environment. What does the future have in store for Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel? A brand new wing including an additional 15 rooms, all equipped with suanas and jacuzzis. A state of the art spa, gym and indoor pool as well as a roof top bar are also in progress, so you need to keep watching this space. Whether you need a short getaway with family and friends or you simply crave to step off the treadmill of life, Santa Lucia Boutique Hotel will sculpt you into its soothing scene. Lulu www.santaluciaboutiquehotel.com Hotel, Zebbug | Triq Klula, Ta’ Kerċem 2704 2064 | 77123882
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MASP Awards:
CELEBRATING Malta’s archItecture and InterIor desIgn projects The 3rd edition of The Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) Awards aims to further p r o m o t e t h e e v o l u t i o n o f q u a l i t y i n t e r i o r a n d e x t e r i o r a r c h i t e c t u r e i n o u r c o u n t r y. M A S P A w a r d s o r g a n i s e r P e t e r G i n g e l l e x p l a i n s h o w t h i s y e a r ’s a w a r d s h a s b e e n b r o a d e n e d t o c o v e r a d d i t i o n a l a s p e c t s o f a r c h i t e c t u r a l e x c e l l e n c e f o r P e r i t i , p r o f e s s i o n a l i n t e r i o r d e s i g n e r, u n i v e r s i t y s t u d e n t s a n d photography enthusiasts
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he Malta’s architecture is a key part of the national heritage, with structures constructed throughout the island’s centuries-long history still standing and admired today.
However, while these much-loved buildings from the time of the Knights and beyond are deservedly renowned, the Maltese modern architectural world also offers quality projects that promise to leave a positive mark for decades to come. The meticulous work and innovation of the people behind these iconic projects – from established professionals to graduating students – is once again set to be both celebrated and elevated at The MASP Awards. “The scope of the MASP Awards is to recognise the quality work offered by people across the
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architectural industry for their talent, expertise and craftsmanship,” explains MASP Awards organiser Peter Gingell. “An award-winning project takes so much more to realise than is visible on the surface; it is a team effort that requires time, dedication, expertise and passion. The MASP Awards shine a spotlight on Malta’s finest in the architectural and spatial planning worlds, to recognise their contribution to the past, present and future of the industry.” Launched in 2019 by the PA under the Patronage of the President of Malta, the MASP Awards are regarded as a prestigious calendar event and a mark of excellence in the industry. Architectural firms and interior design studios truly benefit from the team experience of coming together to submit their works. The submission process in itself creates a morale boost and a valuable experience of overcoming the challenge of putting ones story out in the marketplace. “Nearly all the submissions we receive are successful design projects in their own right, all
eyeing the top-most award in their respective category. If it weren’t for these awards most of these projects remain unappreciated and ‘hidden stories’ of the creative local talent we have around us. We believe that giving exposure to best practices, quality design, architectural excellence and more, there is a better chance of influencing and inspiring the collective design quality change we need in our built environment. Our wellbeing and improved quality of life depends on this change ” highlights Mr Gingell. Besides receiving a credibility boost with both industry professionals and prospective clients, each category award-winner is presented with an exclusive Kane Cali designer trophy inspired by the angular forms of Valletta’s famed fortifications. Winners are given the opportunity to participate in a year long wide range of brand and PR initiatives. This year’s MASP Awards incorporates key changes to best reflect the dynamic industry it represents. Along with the introduction of new categories and some revisions to the older ones, the third edition
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If it weren’t for these awards most of these projects remain unappreciated and ‘hidden stories’ of the creative local talent we have around us
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S C L I E N T - S P E C I F SI C
T: +356 2143 2333 E: info@vassallosteel.com www.vassallosteel.com 16 | Architecture & Design
FI N E
WS O R K M A N S H I P
will be the first to acknowledge the general public’s appreciation of beautiful local architecture. Following feedback from stakeholders in the industry, the previous Rehabiliation and Restoration Award has been split to include an award that solely recognises projects where the primary focus was to restore and preserve the authenticity of a building/monument. he design award has now been extended to include building/structure that not only are within an urban setting, but showcase good design in a rural or marine setting. Meanwhile, a new Residential Architecture Award is dedicated to quality residential buildings. The reach of the latest MASP Awards will extend even further than in previous editions. A new Architecture Photography Award is open to anyone in Malta, considering photography submissions of local architecture built after 1960. Likewise, this year the public can also vote online for any project in the awards, with the overall winner receiving an additional accolade in recognition. The Awards Ceremony for the 2021 edition will be held live at the Teatru Manoel in Valletta on Saturday 26 February 2022, in-line with all current COVID19 protocols. Entries for the awards are open until Wednesday 5 January 2022, while public voting will take place between 24 January and 5 February 2022. “The jury will evaluate each project’s form, function, innovation, quality, sustainability and energy efficiency to select the winner in each category,” concludes Mr Gingell. “The MASP Awards is an opportunity for both industry newcomers and stalwarts to come together and showcase their quality projects and innovative ideas, for the benefit of Malta’s architectural world for many years to come.” More information and submission details are available online at www.maspawards.com. Awards Catagories 1.Rehabilitation & Conservation Award 2.Restoration Award 3.Design Award for Good Architecture, Building and Structure 4.Residential Architecture Award 5.Public Open Spaces Award 6.Commercial and Public Buildings Award 7.Interior Architecture Award for residential projects 8.Interior Architecture Award for Commercial or Public Buildings 9.Urban Planning Concept Award 10.Hospitality, Tourism Accommodation & Leisure Award 11.Emerging Architect Award 12.Architecture Photography Award
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Kuya Asian Restaurant Photography: Daryl Cauchi
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Green Spaces In Urban Areas
W o r d s b y N i c o l e Tu r n e r G a l e a Co-Founder & Creative Director of Disinji
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nterior design begins with the human experience. Therefore, a human centred design approach is the go-to method followed by Disinji. At Disinji we believe that efficient spaces can only be designed with a close relationship between client and the design team.
GREEN INTERIORS Promoting Green Interiors is the way forward in the world of interior design. Nowadays, people spend most of their time indoors, moving between their home and their workspaces, practically with little to no interaction with nature or similarly green spaces. It has been proven that the lack of interaction with nature has negative effects on one’s mood and effectively on their physical and mental health. At Disinji we strive to create functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces, whilst balancing costs and environmental impacts. As a start up company, growing in what is going to be considered as another construction boom on the Maltese islands, striving to balance costs and environmental impacts is no easy job. We are not alone in this race for greener spaces, and with recent negative impacts on the health of our global eco systems we are late to follow suit.
‘Bringing the Outdoors Inside’ – Using natural materials, textures and patterns inspired by nature. The most common way of achieving a ‘green interior’ is to place plants in a space. At Disinji we consider being green as more than an incorporation of vegetation in a space. For Disinji, being green means the inclusion and combination of natural materials, most of which are usually found outdoors. In the case of this project, a combination of natural timber elements, natural stone elements and the choice of natural colours and patterns successfully achieve a nature-centric interior. REPURPOSING INTERIOR ELEMENTS Sustainability also urges the reusing of existing materials and elements. Renovation offers a unique feature, saves time and money, when compared to demolishing and purchasing of new furniture, but more specifically, the impact of carbon on the environment will be limited. It is highly unsustainable to always consider every project as a blank canvas. Listening to a space
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EV ERYTH I NG
T: +356 2143 2333 E: info@vassallojoiners.com www.vassallojoiners.com 20 | Architecture & Design
I S
C U STOM
M A DE
and understanding what the space is screaming for is the first step towards a sustainable design process. By renovating the wooden flooring, ceiling, steel spiral staircase and the dining furniture itself, the studio managed to create a holistic and uplifting interior whilst limiting expenses. By using organic materials, natural colour schemes and live green planters, the interior of this restaurant in particular was designed to be a nature-centric one. This enhanced the air-quality and brought a refreshing vibe which also reflects well on the customers. The design team created a clever ‘green’ solution to create the best outcome for this restaurant. Its maximalist interior was projected by the ‘’feel of the outdoors’’ and the bold, emerald, green colour which is projected throughout the ceiling. The colour of growth, regeneration and cleanliness, green is intertwined with the natural and healthy world. Often used to convey environmental ideas. Most importantly, these materials create a statement. Wooden flooring creates a warm environment, making you feel closer to nature. This detail is more noticeable and prominent if the floors contrast with the walls and the surroundings. Rattan is associated with the outdoors, hence introducing these elements enhanced the design of the space.
parties had to be in place. This in the opinion of Disinji is another ‘sustainable’ aspect of the design process – clear communication. PASSIVE AND ACTIVE SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Delving into the passive sustainable design such as the sun orientation, climate, window placements, daylight management and natural ventilation goes a long way in reducing the energy requirements for the building. In certain cases, thick walls absorb heat from the sun during the day and release it into the building at night. On the other hand, active sustainable design is where mechanical and electrical engineers are consulted to implement high-efficiency systems. These implementations would transmit a low environmental footprint. How many times have you or a person you know asked for the air conditioning to be turned down or up at a restaurant? This negatively impacts the customers satisfaction, whilst not being sustainable. Planning and designing passive and active design solutions during the design process, it reduces the negative impact. Showcasing sustainable design encourages others to look to eco alternatives for their own projects. On the other hand, it’s a reflection of a clear and undistracted mind. SUSTAINABLE INTERIORS
It must also be noted that the turnaround of this project was five weeks. In order for this to be achieved a high level of efficient communication between all
Sustainable spaces should be designed to last. It’s longevity and flexibility should be appreciated. The
chosen colour scheme requires a thought process. The challenge of picking the right colour tones especially when having large apertures is important due to the natural lighting. The same colour hue can look fresh and stimulating in a sunny room, whilst seeming gloomy and dull in shady room or during night-time. Light wood and clean lines lay the basis for a relaxing and uncluttered visual environment. Leaning towards a ‘less-is-more’ approach whilst keeping an organic and natural décor. It must be noted that in a commercial setting the efficiency and functionality of the space will always take preference. Therefore, a careful and smart balancing act of the necessities for a fully functional catering establishment and the vision of a green and sustainable interior is not always an easy task. The greatest artist itself ‘Nature’, has inspired us through organic materials, patterns, and colours. The inclusion of naturally inspired elements in the design of interiors has gained rapid popularity along the years, seeing a significant increase through the desperate times imposed by the Pandemic. These difficult times have enhanced the search for nature in our daily lives, whilst also being embraced by the design décor worldwide. We at Disinji find ourselves in a very exciting phase, both locally and internationally, where the appreciation of sustainable and green interiors is on the increase. We therefore look forward to our next sustainable project.
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A new Technogym TraInIng ExperIence V i v e n d o G r o u p , t h e o f f i c i a l d i s t r i b u t o r o f Te c h n o g y m i n M a l t a , h a v e c r e a t e d a s p a c e a t t h e i r s h o w r o o m i n Q o r m i d e d i c a t e d t o t h e b r a n d ’s d e s i g n - l e d a t - h o m e p r o d u c t s
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he space is located at Mdina Road, Qormi and has been designed to offer a real wellness lifestyle experience to allow people to discover the best products, technologies, and services for physical exercise at home for bespoke home-gym projects and personalised consultations. Technogym is the world’s leading Wellness Company, with its innovative Italian design, cutting-edge technology, high quality, and easyto-use products that are seen and experienced in the most desirable gyms, private members’ clubs, leading hotels, and exclusive homes across the globe. The preferred choice of the world’s leading athletes and sport teams, as well as being the Official Supplier of the Olympic Games since 2000, the brand also boasts ongoing collaborations with acclaimed Archi-star designers like Antonio Citterio. At the heart of the brand lies in its unique concept of Wellness – Technogym’s lifestyle is committed to promoting regular exercise, a balanced diet and positive mental approach – that translates into everything the company does from products to digital fitness services to interior design. Whether the goal is athletic training - like running, cycling or triathlon prep, to losing weight, health, and prevention, or simply to stay fit and have fun, Technogym is the one and only brand able to offer Precision Training, a fully personalized training experience based on individual needs, passions, and aspirations. Technogym’s offering features a curated selection of connected smart equipment, digital services, and on-demand
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training programs for every need. For design lovers, the Personal Line combines acclaimed designer Antonio Citterio’s style with Technogym’s experience in fitness and wellness technologies. The line features a complete range of cardio equipment from the more traditional treadmill, bike and elliptical to the iconic Kinesis product - Technogym’s exclusive solution to improve strength, balance, and flexibility. For those who loves to train at home but with a limited space, the MyRun - Technogym’s ‘smart’ treadmill that is compact, minimal, and easyto-use which offers an incredible selection of training content by simply connecting the device to a tablet, Unica, Technogym’s home multistation, you can perform over 25 exercises in just 16 square feet and with a design that elegantly integrates with your décor, or Technogym Bench the innovative, functional and strength training station, designed to combine maximum exercise variety with minimum footprint by enabling you to perform the largest range of exercises in a very limited space, thanks to its innovative design and enclosed tools. The opening took place of Thursday 4 November at the store, where Jay Osgerby and Edward Barber from BarberOsgerby Studio discussed wellness trends in the world of design and architecture, particularly as it correlates to at-home fitness. For more information visit their website technogym.com t. +356 2223 1000 | e. wellness@vivendo.mt
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tINY LIVING Words by Perit Alexandra Manché at Amanche Architecture
W
ith Christmas around the corner a lot of us are currently looking out for the next big milestone in our lives – January is looming and with it the potential of a bigger, better
(more put together) version of ourselves is shining like a beacon in the distance. Many of us will join the gym, others will put all their energy into bettering themselves and others, following the festive marriage proposals or new beginnings, will decide to purchase their first or second property – be it an
investment or their forever home. Finding a suitable property is one of the most challenging things to do in life – making it a home is even more difficult. With property prices rising and apartments getting smaller and smaller it makes sense that people want more value-for-money in the properties that they choose. Repetitive design of corridor apartments with limited space and no natural light to speak of is shifting investment into smaller properties that present the possibility of quirky conversions. Whatever you decide, you want to make the most of your space. Applying the principles of Tiny Living will help you achieve the best possible outcome. The tiny house movement was started in the 1970’s in the United States. Today we are seeing more and more first-time buyers going for a ‘tiny house’ or a small space. Affordability, efficiency, eco-friendliness, and minimalism are cited, in that order, as the four most attractive factors that the tiny home lifestyle has to offer. A tiny house is usually defined as anything between 35 – 50 sqm. With a single bedroom dwelling being legally limited to a minimum 55 sqm in Malta our tiny homes are a little bigger. So how can you make the most of your tiny home? Or design your space with maximum usability? The bones of the building are key when looking for a property to transform into a comfortable living space. Is it exposed to sunlight? Is there an opportunity to bring in more light by opening or widening windows? Can you bring more illumination from small light wells if it is on the uppermost floor? Is there a vertical opportunity to the space? – sometimes even a ceiling height of 3.5 meters can give you the opportunity to live on two levels. By adding a partial level in some rooms you will be maximising your floor space.
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Once you have come across the perfect space (don’t lose heart… it may take a few disastrous viewings before you walk into the space and feel that THIS is the one). It is then time to start thinking about how best to go about designing the property so that you benefit 100% from every nook and cranny. The best way to start this is to determine your needs. Look into how you live and develop a brief. If this feels too daunting a step you have the option to commission a designer or architect to help you develop a brief and then help you along your design journey.
Not much room for chairs in the dining area? Integrate a nook into the kitchen cabinetry, making space for you to move around and bring out chairs that you have cleverly stored away when you have guests over. Make sure that any dead space is designed as storage, you never know what you’re going to need. Think of Tiny Living as the Marie Kondo method on a larger scale. “Life truly begins after you have put your house in order” – you need order in small spaces so that they become a happy place sparking joy.
A design brief is one of the most important steps of any project - ask yourself all kinds of questions. What do you do as soon as you get home? Do you need storage for coats and shoes by the door – maybe a built-in storage and seating space would make entering and leaving the home easier. Do you entertain often, or are your dinners mainly in solitude in front on the television? How do you decompress at the end of a long, hard workday? Is a hidden margarita machine necessary for those wild weekends? Is a bath essential or do you make do with singing in the shower? What about clothes, books and general storage? Where are these all going to go? Ideally you draw up two lists: the first with what spaces you would like and the second with all your objects. This process is key to the start of the tiny house design process. Once that is done, experiment with floor plans. Look into where things can go; think out of the box. Can your walls be turned into storage space? Can you use curtains as dividers instead of walls? Making the most of your space means looking at it in a different way – storage is important in a tiny house as clutter makes the space look smaller and you want to feel comfortable and able to move around despite the space being limited. One of the oldest tricks for increasing the feeling of space is to take out walls and maximize the passage of light – look into using a storage wall with a hidden door leading from one space into another or possibly a textured glass wall instead of a solid gypsum wall to bring light into an area. Custom modular furniture, screens and curtains change the look of the space – it is important to look at your initial list of needs and work towards incorporating them into your space so that you are happy in your living environment. Do you need a desk to work from home? Incorporate it underneath the stairs making the most of the area – if possible, integrate the design of a skylight or a window into the space so that it is bright and airy.
Architecture & Design | 25
Custom ELEMENTS In CommercIal desIgn Projects
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llow us to introduce you to Interior Architect and Designer Martina Salomone, who hails from a family of artists and also from a family who has been building material importers for generations. Martina Salomone has had a growing passion for both art from a very young age and a great interest in the building trade. Her work experience in the family business allowed her to acquire a great amount of knowledge on building materials and their techniques, and methods of application, whilst also managing and overseeing the operations of a manufacturing sector of the firm, a marble and granite factory, working both on sales and implementation of projects for the firm’s clients. Martina went on to open her own practice, after having completed a Bachelors Degree in Interior Architecture and Design since her great interest lies in the restructuring of existing interior spaces to create better environments that accommodate the human activity within. Her creative solutions and innovative ideas optimise the interior space to improve user experience and functionality as required. Her knowledge of materials and finishes, combined with the understanding of aesthetics, creates the atmosphere and mood of an environment to meet the user’s needs. Martina is currently also a Board Member of Malta Interior Design Association (MIDA).
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One of Martina’s main focuses is designing and implementing commercial projects. Based on the understanding of the clients’ brief, followed by a site visit and a site analysis, Martina embarks on a project adapting a style and design concept that pertain to the company’s ethos and brand identity, sometimes inspired by the nature of the client’s business, services or products. Martina’s aim is to create a unique holistic interior space, which includes a creative palette using visual elements of form, colour, texture and material, whilst also creating a spatial layout that maximises the potential of the given space and site.
As a professional Interior Architect and Designer, the four key elements that Martina strongly implements within a Commercial Design Project are namely: the ergonomic principles, that allow comfortable movement for employees and customers respectively; the functionality and practicality; the necessary health and safety measures by law as well as sustainability, which is achieved through the selection of materials and finishes, such as green walls, natural products and recyclable materials for floors, walls and furniture. A good workspace and outlet design that includes a well planned spatial layout, suitable material finishes and a good lighting plan with carefully selected light fixtures shall ensure and determine a higher employee performance as well as create a holistic approach for her client’s customers and clientele. One example of Martina’s recent projects was the refurbishment of an Office floor, which was originally made up of partitioned and individual offices. The clients’ brief was to recreate an open office space that included desks for co-workers and brand managers as well as to include plenty of storage. This finalised interior office design portrays a clean, white, linear appearance contrasted with a hint of a yellow palette that has been introduced in the selected desk chairs and desk partitions. To complement this hue, some walls have been clad with oriented strand boards, which is a sustainable product since it is an engineered wood formed using adhesives and compressed layers of natural wood strands. Besides acting as a feature, this product enhances a warm atmosphere and also contributes to sound absorption. Part of this client’s brief was also to design a recreational / dining space on the upper level of the office building. Presented with a Carte-blanche, Martina designed an extremely relaxed, vibrant and functional interior space
that includes a fully fledged kitchen for the company’s employees. This interior space has a flexible design layout, whereby the dining and bar tables, chairs and stools can be repositioned and shifted around to accommodate for any office social event or occasion. The selected contemporary kitchen contrasts well with the coloured retro-style furniture and complementing colours used for the walls. Another Commercial Project that Martina was entrusted with, was a complete floor plan modification and redesigning of a company’s reception space that also required a small meeting room and waiting area. Since sustainability is one of Martina’s key elements, sustainable measures were implemented in this project as it was part of the client’s brief to try and retain and reuse some of the existing furniture, where and if possible, such as the existing reception desk, which was modified to suit the new design floor plan layout. Gypsum suspended ceilings were installed to achieve adequate general and task lighting where necessary. Following the Interior Designer’s studies on Biophilic design, a moss wall partition was created to screen off an existing kitchenette. These moss walls combat air pollution, act as a noise absorbent and adds a healthy environment within the interior space. Martina’s most recent Interior Architecture and Design Project was the restructuring, redesigning and implementation of a well soughtafter local artisan bakery. The clients’ brief was to create a new brand identity for their Bakery, to include their pink brand colour within their interiors and to carry out and complete site project works with a four week deadline, during which the said bakery would be closed. With such a short time frame to execute the works, organisational skills and expertise were required. Therefore, six months prior to the scheduled date of the project, Martina worked on the new floor plan layouts and design concepts and with the once approved design from her clients, Martina began to source furniture, light fixtures and finishes, as well as visited manufacturers for any of the custom-made goods. Following the engagement of a selected Structural Engineer, the actual site works involved the removal of existing split levels, walls and floor tiles and the insertion of steel metal beams to accommodate for the newly designed interior space. This was followed by the installation of new electrics; wall and floor tile laying as well as parquet flooring; installation of new interior and exterior apertures and the installation of light fixtures that comply with health and safety regulations required for a bakery outlet. Together with the selected tradesmen and manufacturers, Martina successfully completed the project exactly four weeks to the day, allowing her client to go back to business as usual. The design concept and style adopted in this particular commercial project is a vintage style including a monochromatic palette that contrasts well with the vibrant pink brand colour of this renowned establishment.
Project 1: Office Recreational / Dining Space Photography: Sean Mallia
Project 2: Company’s reception area includes a small meeting room and waiting area
Project 2
As an Interior Architect and Designer, Martina emphasises that there is no particular style in her design work but approaches every design project independently and individually. Martina’s focus is to ensure that she meets her clients’ needs, with the aim of creating a unique design concept that is not only aesthetically pleasing but functional, practical and realistic. Martina’s greatest pleasure is seeing her clients happy with the end result as well as wishes her clients continued success in their professional endeavours.
Architecture & Design | 27 Project 3: The Happy Baker Outlet, San Gwann
Bronze Stainless Steel Colour
DYKE FLEX by Stral An Outdoor wall light with an integrated LED available with a single, double or triple emission and an adjustable bracket to allow movement in all directions. Dkye is made of 316L stainless steel and is availabe in 3 colours and in 3 different optics 21°, 45° and 65°, Also allowing the option of choosing between 2700K, 3000K and 4000K colour tempreature.
Graphite Stainless Steel Colour
Natural Stainless Steel Colour 28 | Architecture & Design
A | 38/1, Emmanuel Schembri Str, Birkirkara, BKR 1810 T | 2149 6843 - E | info@lds.com.mt
www.lds.com.mt
desIgnING outdoor lIghts In dIalogue wIth Nature The Italian company Stral`s goal has always been to produce outdoor lighting fixtures using 316L stainl e s s s t e e l . T h e e x c l u s i v e u s e o f s t a i n l e s s s t e e l a n d t h e m i n i m a l d e s i g n , m a k e S T R A L’s p r o d u c t s , w h i c h are perfect for every kind of environment, stand out
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t Light Design Solutions they strive to use products that are suitable to our environmental characteristics, including the drastic humidity levels, sea spray, acid rain and lime content in our Maltese stone.
The most resistant material is steel and marine grade AISI 316L stainless steel is the class offering the best performance. It is resistant against corrosion thanks to the nickel and molybdenum contained. AISI 316L contains molybdenum and low quantities of carbon, two components that increase the resistance of stainless steel against corrosion. The L stands for low carbon. On the market, there are steels with lower quantities of these components. For example, the 304 stainless steel, which is one of common use in the production of lighting fixtures does not contain the molybdenum and has low quantities of nickel and chromium. It is less
expensive but also less resistant than the 316L stainless steel, which can eventually lead to corrosion in the long term.
of natural materials requires stylistic consistency, guaranteeing all the peculiarities of resistance and durability of 316L stainless steel.
This is precisely why at Light Design Solutions they make use of Stral products. Stral make use of two complementary elements, and make no predominance of one over the other. The shapes are harmonised and the materials chosen are designed to allow the products to dress up with their surroundings.
Before, the products being made were only available in the pure colour of stainless steel, but now Stral took into the consideration of where the light fitting will be installed, which led to having the option of choosing between three different 316L stainless steel finishes; Bronze, Graphite and Natural stainless steel.
Stral have been working on new aspects of the products. The company worked with the intention of reinterpreting the perception of a noble material such as 316L stainless steel. There is focus of the attention giving new chromatic and tactile lymph, thinking of increasingly heterogenous installations for Stral products. Particular attention was paid to historical contexts and to all those places where the presence
STRAL have kept up with the latest led technologies to keep on guaranteeing a high-quality product. The high-quality value of the lighting components used over the years is a result of the great attention in the development of performance and innovative bodies.
All Stral products are available at the The Light Design Solutions showroom in Birkirkara.
Architecture & Design | 29
CREATING SPACES IN HOSPITALITY Starting their hospitality division was one of the most rewarding experiences for the business at Vivendo Group. We sit down with Chris Gauci, Head of B2B, to revisit the past that has made Vivendo Hospitality what it is today
WHAT WAS VIVENDO’S FIRST EXPERIENCE WORKING IN THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY? It all started in 2014, when we were entrusted with refurbishing the AX Seashells Resort at Suncrest in Qawra, a 4-star hotel. The customer knew us as Vivendo, and furthermore knew that we had not worked in hospitality before, but they trusted us blindly to deliver results on par with the rest of our work. AX Seashells has over 450 rooms – the substantial number of rooms helped us to keep to our strong points – delivering and installing a large amount of furniture – while also letting us gain experience in the industry. We started and finished the project execution in one hundred days, before the hotel opened in April 2015. WHAT DID YOU LEARN FROM THE FIRST PROJECT IN HOSPITALITY? As our first hospitality experience, it really drove home that the key factors for success was nurturing a trustful relationship with the customer, an excellent internal team to drive the project as well as a specialised technical team and giving ourselves enough time to coordinate and plan each step before execution.
30 | Architecture & Design The Embassy Valletta Hotel, Valletta – Designed by MXA - Martin Xuereb & Associates
Most importantly, focusing on doing one thing well, rather than a million things just ‘okay’, will always lead to success.
The Embassy Valletta Hotel, Valletta – Designed by MXA - Martin Xuereb & Associates
WHAT ARE VIVENDO HOSPITALITY’S STRENGTHS? Vivendo’s key strongpoint has always been the ability to build relationships and connections with suppliers abroad, some of which we have worked with for decades. As we consistently order copious quantities of work from different suppliers, we build our relationships quickly, and our suppliers end up seeing us as partners who are enthusiastic about their products and taking responsibility for installing it locally. Furthermore, our staff is considered an essential part of the process. We have an over twenty delivery and installation two men teams that works exclusively for Vivendo. We give them a place to excel, and they in turn develop a sense of pride and job satisfaction, taking on the responsibility of the work they do and ensure that the quality is never compromised, and timelines are met. We focus on quality over quantity, and that helps us keep in line with both our personal and company values. We want to execute every project to the high finish that Vivendo is known for, so we limit the number of projects we take on, we do not compromise on quality, and we are meticulous about what foreign joineries we work with.
Hotel Verdi, Sliema – Designed by Edwin Mintoff Architects
Architecture & Design | 31
Our final goal is always to be the best and provide the highest level of service for each project using our resources, and our experience in purchasing, value engineering, operations, and logistics. WHAT ARE THE TOP THREE TIPS FOR MANAGING A HOSPITALITY PROJECT? Our key number one rule is to always make sure that we understand what the customer wants, and that all the important decisions are taken early. The longer it takes to decide, the longer the deadline can get extended, and the harder it is to stick to our other commitments. Following on from that, never take on too many projects at the same time. Each one will require dedicated resources and attention, and you cannot split your attention so many times with success. Finally, make sure that you select partners with similar values. It will make coordination easier overall. AX Seashells Resort at Suncrest, Qawra – Designed by Penny Apap Brown
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF AS THE HEAD OF THIS DIVISION? I love it when my team takes over a project completely – It gives me pride that the customer trusts them so completely. Although I usually give our clients my number and ask them to call if they need my involvement and push, rarely do I receive such phone calls meaning that the team assigned to the project is giving the customer the service they deserve. WHAT ARE VIVENDO HOSPITALITY’S FUTURE GOALS? To continue to strengthen our ability to provide beautiful functional and comfortable hotel accommodations. To improve our capacity to take on larger projects especially focusing on the rooms. We want to show customers and architects the value that having us on board gives, and to show our clients that we can provide the right balance of knowledge and skills between the architect and the producer. We want to continue building further trust and collaboration as we grow and nurture our supplier relationships.
32 | Architecture & Design Cavalieri Art Hotel, St Julian’s – Designed by DAAA Haus
YOUR PARTNER OF CHOICE IN DOORS. WE PROVIDE A SELECTION OF QUALITY COMMERCIAL DOORS FOR INTERIOR OR EXTERIOR PROJECTS IN OFFICES, HOSPITALITY, MEDICAL AND RETAIL. THANKS TO OUR TRUSTED SUPPLIERS, WE CAN OFFER A VAST RANGE OF SIZES AND MATERIALS INCLUDING PROPERTIES FROM FIRE- RETARDANT DOORS WITH GENERAL BUILDING CODE APPROVAL TO MULTIFUNCTIONAL STEEL DOORS, CPL DOORS, AND ANTI-THEFT DOORS. GET IN TOUCH. 2277 3000 · DOORS@VIVENDO.MT · VIVENDO.MT OR VISIT US AT VIVENDO, MDINA ROAD, QORMI, QRM 9011 Architecture & Design | 33
TLC
gIVe YoUr FOR YOUR waLLS Some tLc
WA L L S Words by Enrica de Gabriele, Interior Designer
28 34 | Architecture & Design Drop it modern wallpaper
A Te fit-Tazza x Maltadoors collaboration
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et’s forget the phrase ‘feature wall’ for a moment and give importance to all our walls. When people want to inject some colour or pattern into a room, they opt to treat just one prominent wall - which is fine, sometimes. Although, when all walls are whitewashed and one wall is featured it tends to make the room look unfinished or forced. Here are a few ways you can give your walls the treatment they deserve. WALLPAPER Wallpaper is no longer a thing of the past and hasn’t been for a while now. The choice of patterns and textures is never ending. So how do you pick the right one? Once you have a colour scheme in mind, you must decide whether you want texture or pattern. If it’s pattern you are after, ask yourself; do you want florals, geometry or landscapes? The shop assistant will be able to help you in this area and show you what is available from their library. When choosing wallpaper for an enclosed area or room, I like to treat all the walls in the same way. People are usually afraid of this being ‘too much’ although if that is the issue, I wouldn’t opt for a colourful pattern but instead a texture in a lighter colour. A textured wallpaper is surprisingly effective, almost like having your walls covered in a beautiful fabric. Whichever style of paper you opt for, allow it to wrap the room for a beautiful and consistent finish. WALL PAINT
WALL PANELLING Wall panelling also referred to by the French term boiserie, has increased in popularity in recent years as we veer away from ultra modern styles and sleek walls. Boiserie’s are a great way of brining in a bit of tradition and luxury into a space. The styles may vary from traditional mouldings to more contemporary panels depending on the style of the space. Mirrored panels may even be used in more contemporary spaces to make the space look larger. When discussing wall panelling, it is imperative to consider skirting. One thing you may notice is that skirting is usually a continuous part of the wall panelling and should carry on this way whether or not your walls are panelled. Don’t fall into the habit of matching the skirting to your floors but make them a continuous part of your walls to give the illusion of height. DON’T FORGET YOUR CEILINGS Treating ceilings can be very interesting and effective for the more daring ones of you. They give the space a more complete and cohesive feel. Interesting fact - During the Renaissance period you would come across coffered ceilings because they added to the spaciousness and value of the house. Even though they are not as popular nowadays, ceilings are slowly being treated again and in many different ways. Block coloured walls and patterned ceilings give the space some interest without bringing the busyness down to eye level.
Pamela Jaccarino Design
Using wall paint is inevitable when renovating, but picking the right shade and finish is crucial. Choosing white is not as simple as it may seem since there are multiple shades and tones. Once again it all depends on the colour scheme - is the tone warm or cool? How much natural light does the room have? These are all points you should consider. Natural light does play a large part of selecting your paint swatches. People tend to choose white when a room is dark, not to add to the darkness. This may have the contrary effect - when a room lacks in natural light, white walls highlight this fact and lots of shadows are projected making the room grey instead. Consider a darker shade of a specific colour in this case. TOP TIP - Painting the whole room including the ceiling in the same colour makes the room appear larger and gives the illusion of higher ceilings.
Architecture & Design | 35 Architecture & Design | 29
Can your loan make Malta greener?
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limate change is probably the greatest global emergency of our times and we are all being called for action in favour of a more sustainable earth. Switching to green energy is one way of how consumers and businesses alike, can reduce their carbon footprint and their negative impact on the planet. One solution can be investing in renewable and efficient energy solutions. Making our lifestyle, homes and businesses environment-friendly may require an initial expense however it may also make financial sense subject to you choosing the right financing solution. To assist in the transition to a green economy, Bank of Valletta has launched three low-cost energy loans for personal customers, homeowners / buyers and businesses. •
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The BOV Personal Energy Loan is targeted at consumers who would like to invest in PV panels, solar water collectors, space heating and cooling, as well as numerous measures including insulation solutions and EV charging stations. This loan provides financing up to a maximum of €50,000, which can also be taken on an unsecured basis The BOV Home Energy Loan is ideal for customers who are currently seeking to buy a property and are planning a number of energy efficiency and renewable energy investments to make their home a greener more efficient dwelling. In this case, homeowners can obtain an attractive financing solution up to €100,000 over the term of the home loan. The BOV Business Energy Loan is a financing scheme that assists enterprises reduce their energy costs, contributing directly to their
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bottom line. This loan is available for SMEs and Mid-Caps (up to 3,000 employees) and provides financing for energy efficiency solutions as well as other investments, in line with an energy study, such as electric / hybrid car fleets and water efficiency measures, among others. All three energy loans benefit from a guarantee offered by the European Union and the Government of Malta under the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Malta Fund (EERE) permitting the Bank to provide an attractive interest rate and collateral terms. Over and above, the EERE fund provides a 2% interest rate subsidy for the first three years of the above-mentioned loans which will contribute towards improving the payback of your green investment. Unlock your green potential and let BOV help you fund your green investments in a carefully planned and affordable way. Their loan specialists will guide you in choosing the energy loan that is best for you or your business. Simply request an appointment via this online form www.bov.com/Assistants/set-an-appointment or send an email on info@bov.com. For more information call on 2131 2020. More information is available on www.bov.com/ content/bov-personal-energy-loan, https://www. bov.com/content/bov-homeenergy-loan and https:// www.bov.com/content/bov-business-energy-loan. The BOV Personal Energy Loan, the BOV Home Energy Loan and the BOV Business Energy Loan are financially supported by the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Malta Fund (EERE) which is co-financed by the Republic of Malta and the European Union under the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The objective of
this fund of funds and its first loss guarantee combined with an interest rate subsidy scheme is to support the access of the final recipients for their investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy measures. All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the personal and home energy loans must not go beyond retirement age.
Further terms and conditions are available from www.bov.com
Architecture & Design | 33 37
WHERE DREAMS COME HOME
Set an appointment today
2131 2020 | bov.com All loans are subject to normal bank lending criteria and final approval from the Bank. The term of the loan must not go beyond retirement age. Issued by Bank of Valletta p.l.c. 58, Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130. Bank of Valletta p.l.c. is regulated by the MFSA and licensed to carry out the business of banking in terms of the Banking Act (Cap. 371 of the Laws of Malta). | COM 2570