Old & New

The living area was inserted between old rubble walls, it overlooks the pool and deck as an extension of the indoors.

Project details

• Project Name: Old & New
• Location of Site: Bumarrad, Malta
• Design Team: Davina Preca
• Project Type: Single Family Dwelling
• Client:
• Contractor/s:
• Site Area:
• Built-up Area:
• Cost of Construction:
• Date of completion: 2007

A low bed sits in the middle of the room, at the rear a glass box as shower with flush shower heads built into the ceiling for a streamlined effect.

Words from the architect

The brief was to maintain and conserve the existing structure and a new extension was added to house the spaces for kitchen/living and main bedroom.

The house is enlivened by the large contrast between the old and new. The old being small low spaces ideal for reading or dining whilst the new is large, practical and contemporary.

Custom built in units in white lacquer blend in with the surrounding living/dining area and are complimented with a floating walnut table top.

The primary materials used were wood, glass and white lacquer. These were selected to work with the expressive properties of the local stone. The walnut was used as flooring and dining top, it emits a warmth and solidity that encompasses the feeling of a home. The white lacquer was used for the built in kitchen cupboards and loose furniture.

Ample seating faces the pool deck.

Upon entering the house you are in a covered arch leading to the internal courtyard, this tells the story of a typical farmhouse as a cluster of volumes. This progresses to the reading room and formal dining room which opens up to high ceilings into the new build extension, an open plan, housing the living/kitchen/dining which overlook the swimming pool. All the private areas, including the bedrooms and bathrooms were allocated to the first floor.

The original wood beams were retained and the rubble wall left exposed. The fittings in this space are inspired Baroque.

The house is a series of spaces that are visually linked by small apertures enhancing continuity and creating cross ventilation. The cantilevered stairs is flooded with natural light from the skylight and provides a connection with the natural environment.

The transition from old to new and the relationship of the materials between the walnut floor, stone and white washed walls.

The cluster of varying volumes and external stairwell typical of a farmhouse layout. The flooring is in natural stone paving with randomly placed recessed floor lights.

Credits

• Text: Davina Preca
• Photographs: Alan Carville