Four Sappers
Date | 2017–2021 |
---|---|
Client | IP Valletta ltd. |
Value | n.a. |
Location | Valletta, Malta |
AP has positioned itself as part of a
THE BUILDING - HISTORY
AP Valletta completed the renovation of its historical building. It is situated on St. Michael’s Bastion, part of the enceinte of the fifteenth century, and overlooks the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour. A tunnel underlying the building along its length connects Sappers Street to the fortified ditch that surrounds the town. The original seventeenth century fabric of the building was considerably tampered with during the nineteenth century. During the Crimean War, when Malta served as headquarters for the Allies, an unrealised project for a military hospital on the bastion led by Florence Nightingale, incorporated this building to serve as the entrance wing. In spite of this, the building is the only one in the area to retain its original aspect, most of the surrounding area having been redeveloped in the eclectic style
THE FACADE
The restoration process demanded great care for the delicate historic elements. The masonry structure required the replacement of several deteriorated stone blocks, to reintroduce the structural integrity of the building envelope and the visual legibility of the
OFFICE BLOCK
The office design is focused on the preservation of the spirit that has always differentiated
The six storeys building will surround a central courtyard, a key element of the building. Bringing natural light in, the courtyard has been developed as a communal yet private area, harmonising the elements of solid and void of the space. Openness and transparency mould both the working and the recreational areas. The elegant combination of materials such as wood, travertine and concrete will ensure the quality and lightness
The ground floor is designed to be a shared space for all the tenants of the