←→

The brief called for a re-development of two adjacent buildings along the Gzira-Sliema promenade, which envisaged the conjunction of two as well as for the provision of maximum area for office use.

The location benefits from the commercial passing trade the area is heavily sought after for. At higher levels, sea views towards Manoel Island and Valletta elevate the site’s potential for high quality offices.

The surrounding streetscape is defined by a series of 2-storey townhouses with a ground floor characterised by arched doorways and porticos. This pattern was incorporated into the proposal by means of a series of rotated arches that extend directly into the ground floor of the building. While appearing as vertical columns from the front, the rhythm and curves of these arches reveal themselves to passers-by as they drive or walk along the promenade. Movement along the front thus reveals a dynamic change from arches to vertical openings and back to arches adding to the visual interest and intrigue of the development.

The proposal aims to have an energy efficient design. The creation of the slit in the facade and building which forms the courtyard allows for natural daylight to penetrate the offices, while facilitating natural ventilation. The introduction of vegetation along the full height of the courtyard and extending over the terrace of the receded floor, helps to shade and cool the interior of the building and the external terraces.

The building envelope needs to be as efficient as possible, with measures taken to ensure good seal and insulation to all exposed surfaces of the building. Thermo-acoustic glazed facades of a good performance spec to optimise the levels of light transmission, solar factor, thermal transmission and acoustic attenuation to ensure internal comfort levels is key.