Attard / Tag

Villa Saudade: Built Around a 100-Year-Old Cypress Tree

Villa Saudade: Built Around a 100-Year-Old Cypress Tree

Villa Saudade, a modernist residence in Attard, Malta, is a unique example of how a family of 3 can live in comfort and style within a limited site. Designed by Chris Briffa Architects in 2020, this villa was built around a 100-year-old cypress tree and includes a series of sinuous volumes, a concrete-timber base, and apertures placed on all six sides of the building. By inverting the traditional layout with the sleeping areas located on the lower levels and living areas on the upper levels, the architects provided the family with a cozy and environmentally-friendly home.

Step Inside the Mill House: A Creative Fusion of Past and Present

FeaturedStep Inside the Mill House: A Creative Fusion of Past and Present

Introducing The Mill House, a stunning fusion of traditional and modern design located in the charming village of Attard, Malta. Designed by Valentino Architects in 2022, this house seamlessly connects a cluster of Grade I and II Listed buildings, including a mill room dating back to the mid-to-late 16th century.

The design centers around an outdoor courtyard that serves as a connecting agent, allowing the separate living spaces to communicate with each other and the sun-soaked hearth of the home. A glazed walkway serves as a reflective layer of contrast between old and new, forming a lustrous perimeter along two internal facades. The walkway’s opacity changes throughout the day, creating different effects and views of the surrounding village. On the ground level, the dining and living areas look out to the courtyard, while tall cabinets punctuate the space, resembling minimalist boulders that double as doorways to tangential rooms.