The Maltese studio 3DM Architecture has combined curved forms with a restrained material selection to construct Twentyfour, a minimalist home.
Nestled among a collection of terraced dwellings in Rabat, this three-storey abode was designed to pay homage to traditional Maltese aesthetics through a contemporary aesthetic.
“The point of departure for this project was almost a self-awareness that we had a studio, that Malta has lost its architectural identity in the last decades, and how this could be revived,” studio co-founder Maurizio Ascione.
3DM Architecture of Malta chose to use a limited range of materials in the design, forming monochromatic areas that evoke the natural hues of local rocks.
“By applying minimalist principles, removing all that is unnecessary, including colour, the essence of form, material, textures, light and shadows come together to create a serene, intimate space, where the family can come together and feel one,” said Ascione.
The home’s exterior is animated by blocky forms and openings, as well as steps that offer access to the house from the sloping street. According to the studio, this is intended as an “evolution of terraced housing” in the area.
The tones of the nearby rocks are mirrored by the use of a muted color scheme in the material palette.
The entrance, taking its cue from classic local archways, is situated in a curved recess at the top of the staircase. Additionally, This opens up to a sunken corridor, which in turn leads directly to the merged kitchen, living and dining area.
The ground floor features a room that stretches out, and it is decorated with a marble floor and walls and ceilings that have a rustic finish. It is fitted with furniture that has a neutral color scheme, such as a wall of cupboards and a kitchen island.
The ceiling waves above the area, resembling the curved shapes that recur across the project.
Moreover, A curved couch and a table supported by three round marble legs in the living room are meant to suggest the shapes seen in classic Maltese design.
“This synthesis between traditional Maltese architecture and a modern aesthetic is not confined to the exterior, it permeates every aspect of the residence,” said the studio.
Furthermore, The entrance hall is located in front of the open-plan area, with the main staircase taking up one side. It features staggered steps with a curved railing and a round skylight at the top.
On the two highest floors of the house, 3DM Architecture created an assortment of illuminated and dimly lit spaces that interact with the natural light. The same selection of materials is used throughout the upper levels. For example, walls plastered with hydraulic lime and travertine marble surfaces.
The walls of the living area are adorned with a distinctive texture and the floor is composed of marble.
On the first floor there are three bedrooms and two bathrooms.
On the upper level, a room specifically designed for art with a neutral color palette lies next to a slender staircase that connects to the outdoor terrace. An external staircase can be found on the terrace and goes to the roof of the house.
A balustrade that has been curved in a gentle manner is part of the staircase design.
The home has a basement level that includes a cave-like swimming pool and a sauna for relaxation and leisure.
The studio stated that Twentyfour is a demonstration of minimalism, demonstrating how architecture can blend the historical and present times, the old and the new.
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