Architects: Valentino Architects
Lead Architects: Valentino Architects
Structual Design: Perit Ivan Muscat
Location: Attard, Malta
Area: 385 m²
Year: 2022
Photo credits: Ramon Portelli
The Mill Home by Valentino Architects transforms a cluster of 16th-century dwellings into a unified family residence, striking a delicate balance between preservation and innovation. Through a carefully designed glazed walkway, the project connects historical buildings with contemporary architectural expression. As a result, the Mill Home becomes a place where heritage and modern living coexist in harmony.
Linking Heritage with Modern Cohesion
At the heart of the Mill Home is the challenge of linking Grade I and II Listed structures, including a mill room dating back to the mid-to-late 1500s. Instead of isolating each building, Valentino Architects introduced cohesion by positioning a central courtyard. This outdoor space serves as a sunlit hearth, encouraging interaction between the different volumes while grounding the home in its historic setting.
The Glazed Walkway as a Binding Element
The defining feature of the Mill Home is its glazed walkway, which unites three distinct dwelling spaces. Although invisible from the street, the walkway boldly contrasts with the original stone walls, forming a reflective layer that shifts throughout the day. In the morning, it mirrors the golden tones of the courtyard and the surrounding village. By night, it glows from within, illuminating the pool below and tracing the subtle movements of the residents.
A Dynamic Play of Light and Transparency
The walkway evolves with the sun, transitioning from solid reflection to sheer translucency as daylight changes. This gradual shift transforms the corridor into a living element of the architecture, constantly reshaping how the house is perceived. Therefore, it not only connects spaces physically but also creates a poetic dialogue between light, time, and movement.
Interiors Designed for Subtle Transitions
On the ground floor, the living and dining areas open directly to the courtyard, further emphasizing the role of this outdoor nucleus. Inside, tall cabinets punctuate the main room like minimalist boulders, offering both visual rhythm and hidden functionality. At times, these cabinets serve as doorways to side rooms, reinforcing the home’s theme of transitions and layers of visibility.
The Mill Home as a Contemporary Family Residence
Ultimately, Valentino Architects have crafted more than a renovation. The Mill Home is a sensitive reinvention of heritage architecture, designed to function as a modern family home. By weaving together centuries-old stonework with sleek glass elements, the project reflects Malta’s architectural legacy while announcing a bold step toward the future.
