This Gozo house of character was transformed through a blend of old and new into a timeless and minimalist home, but more than anything, a “calm space”, according to its interior designer Marienica Haber, founder of Form Design Studio.
Natural light was the source of inspiration for the architectural concept of Casa no.44, she said. One of the main challenges was, in fact, to incorporate as much of this as possible in a house that was previously dull. Now, a skylight allows the whole home to be flooded.
Dating back to pre-World War II, it was last inhabited over 10 years ago and has since been transformed into a “clean and minimalist” home, offering a feeling of tranquillity.
Located in a quiet road in an Urban Conservation Area, its additional top floor enjoys views of the Rotunda in Xewkija. Casa no.44 has a double-fronted façade, with two loġġoġ on the side, facing the south and allowing the house to be filled with natural light.
It includes a variety of architectural elements, such as arches in the dining room, xorok and niches. All traditional features were preserved, the aim being to protect, maintain and repurpose Maltese heritage.
“I would describe this space as a modern, minimalist and organic house, with a warm and clean aesthetic,” said Haber. “The design is sleek and uncluttered, with clean lines.”
The natural, textured, rough-hewn stone, visible in the dining room and archway to the kitchen, adds texture, warmth and an organic, rustic touch, breaking up the clean lines of the modern design and blending old-world charm with contemporary elements.
“It grounds the space in a sense of heritage and craftsmanship,” Haber said.
This combination of modern materials, natural elements and a light and neutral palette result in a warm and inviting space, ideal for contemporary living.
The main materials in the house are natural: wood, stone, rattan, travertine, and linen, while the predominant colour palette is composed of muted and earthy tones to maintain a soothing theme and allow the stone arches to take centre stage.
The space has subtle Mediterranean influences but leans more towards modern minimalism, Haber said. The key elements that hint at this look include the stone arch in the kitchen area, as well as the light wood and neutral colours that evoke that natural, sun-kissed, warm feel of Mediterranean interiors.
The open layout, while modern, is also a characteristic of Mediterranean homes, which typically favour airy, spacious interiors that allow light to flow through. While traditional Mediterranean design tends to be more ornate, with detailed tiles, textured walls and vibrant colour schemes, the sleek lines in the cabinetry and lighting are more reflective of a contemporary style, Haber pointed out.
Contemporary lighting adds to the simple and clutter-free aesthetic. Black fixtures, such as track lighting and modern sconces, contrast with the typical rustic metals – brass and copper – often seen in Mediterranean homes, and the black pendant light hanging above the dining table is sleek and simple, so it does not overshadow the dramatic stonework.
Warmth was also achieved through the travertine, with its earthy tones and texture. It reflects light softly, creating a glow that amplifies the cosy ambiance, while enhancing the natural light in a room.
The subtle veining and colour variation of polished travertine further contribute to its organic and inviting feel.
The fireplace is also clad in travertine slabs to continue the natural palette that blends with the old stone, while a floating staircase creates “a sense of openness”.
Built in curved gypsum, it is finished with a smooth plaster and painted in the same earthy colour as the rest of the project.
Smooth wood panels on the wall and integrated, seamless cabinetry, as well as the concealed appliances, flat surfaces and a lack of ornamentation give the space a sleek, modern look.
The modern kitchen within the historical character of the house offers functionality and a sleek, up-to-date appearance – a combination that respects the past but adapts it to modern living needs.
The designer’s favourite feature is the dining room, with its vaulted ceiling and arches, creating a striking architectural element that serves as the focal point.
By retaining this feature, the designer paid homage to the building’s heritage, “grounding the space in tradition and craftsmanship”.
The stone arches are enhanced by the modern elements around them, such as the simple, wooden, dining table and chairs, with their natural finish.
“These choices enhance the connection to nature and history, making the entire space feel cohesive and harmonious,” Haber said.
She used the same flooring, Pursue Greige, which has a micro-cement look, throughout the whole project, while floor-to-ceiling doors create a flow and depth.