Risette and Suite Nine form part of Casa Ellul, a boutique hotel in Valletta originally renovated by Chris Briffa Architects, signalling the brand’s expansion into the food and beverage market.

The project brief for Risette and Suite Nine called for the consolidation of a historic property turned boutique hotel, re-connecting its right-hand side facade to the original building. The property’s ground floor layout was reorganised to accommodate an updated building programme, shifting the hotel’s reception to the rear and converting the rooms fronting the street into the Risette Restaurant – marking the Ellul brand’s expansion into the food and beverage market.

The design for Risette was adapted from Briffa’s 2014 design of Casa Ellul’s reception area and entrance hall. The annex restored the facade’s symmetry, mirroring the old reception’s dark timber panelled aesthetic and adapting it through the addition of mustard benches that sit opposite wall-to-wall planters in each room. Gebruder Thonet Vienna bentwood chairs and tables made from Bianco Carrara and brass add to this rich material context.

Modifications to the first floor gave a home to Casa Ellul’s ninth suite, whilst the basement was adapted to create kitchen access to the new layout, accommodating potential future private dining. Suite Nine was connected to Casa Ellul through three openings concealed behind a white timber panelled wall, designed to hide the Suite’s ancillary functions – the entrance hall and storage, the WC, and the shower. White washed walls and a Bianco Carrara floor contrast with dark slate finishes, whilst mirrored ceilings in the bathroom create an amplified feeling of space.