3C, OLD MINT STREET, VALLETTA, MALTA
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St Dominic Street

Program: Apartment Renovation
Location: Valletta, MALTA
Status: Completed 2015
Photography: Sean Mallia, Ellie Cutajar
Text: Ann Dingli

Rational reorganisation and material contrast define the approach to St Dominic Street, a two-bedroom apartment in Valletta that prioritises functionality, privacy and minimal contemporary living.

The design for St Dominic Street sees the insertion of three volumes within a spacious two-bedroom apartment in Valletta. Existing rooms are reorganised and upgraded to better respond to contemporary living needs, enhancing both functionality and privacy. Bedrooms that once overlooked St. Dominic Street have been liberated as living spaces. New sleeping quarters are relocated to the opposite, more secluded end of the apartment.

The three new volumes are positioned between the living and sleeping quarters, growing in size as they move back towards a master suite. The smallest volume houses a kitchen, whilst storage and bathroom facilities occupy the two larger volumes. Existing local cement tiles have been preserved throughout the apartment, with the exception of the master suite, which is accessed by a breach between the storage and bathroom volumes. The suite takes up a linear, two metre-wide space previously occupied by a kitchen and bathroom, running along a defined route – from wardrobe, through to shower room, WC, bath, and finally to the bedroom. Materials transition from rough walls to smooth plaster, and from patterned tiles
to timber and travertine, creating separation from the ambient street environment at the front of the apartment.

A mezzanine level has been introduced within the lofty entrance hall, maximising storage space and lowering bathroom ceiling levels. Natural light subsequently floods the entrance, penetrating the space from the apartment’s courtyard.

Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta
Valentino Architects - Malta - St Dominic Valletta