On a rooftop in Bormla, Malta, an 18th-century townhouse has been transformed into a compact, light-filled apartment. The space, once an open-air laundry, has been redesigned by architect Martina Fenech Adami of studio NiCHE into a retreat she describes as a “blue bubble.” The design balances vivid color with precise geometry to create an airy, functional home.
The original structure provided little more than a blank slate. With few existing walls, the redesign relied on other elements to define zones. Instead of traditional partitions, Fenech Adami used diagonal lines, mirrored surfaces, and integrated lighting to shape movement and perception. The result is an apartment that feels open yet carefully structured, where every detail serves a purpose.
A palette borrowed from the sky
The apartment’s colors reflect its surroundings. Soft blues mirror Malta’s skies, while beige microcement floors and counters echo the limestone hues of nearby buildings. This choice helps the interior blend with the view beyond the terrace, creating continuity between inside and out.
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The kitchen demonstrates this effect. Custom cabinetry in sky blue recedes into the walls, while slender beige handles offer subtle contrast. The microcement countertop and flooring further unify the space, making the kitchen feel like a natural part of the architecture rather than a separate area.
Small urban spaces often use color and geometry to expand their perceived boundaries. Mirrors, tonal palettes, and built-in storage create the illusion of more room. This project stands out for how deliberately its angles and reflections guide movement, almost like a planned path through the apartment.
Geometry as a functional tool
A trapezium-shaped cabinet at the end of the dining counter serves multiple purposes. Its angled form reinforces the apartment’s diagonal lines, easing the transition between the kitchen and terrace. The cabinet also provides extra legroom for seating while offering hidden storage behind its sleek surface.
The sleeping area follows a similar approach. Behind a large blue velvet curtain, a built-in bed merges with the architecture, eliminating the need for separate furniture. The solid wood base includes storage, lighting, and ventilation, while a slim integrated headboard replaces traditional bedside tables. When the curtain is closed, the space becomes a private retreat without sacrificing efficiency.
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The bathroom continues the theme of strong contrasts. A custom red door hints at the room’s interior, where red glass mosaic tiles cover the shower and walls. The floor splits diagonally between blue microcement and red tiles, dividing the space subtly without disrupting flow. Geometry here serves a clear purpose—creating distinct zones while maintaining visual harmony.
A floor-to-ceiling mirror between the living room and kitchen does more than reflect light. It directs daylight from the terrace deeper into the apartment, making the space feel brighter. The mirror also acts as a subtle divider, defining areas without closing them off. This simple solution has a significant effect, blurring the line between furniture and architecture.
The apartment shows that small spaces need not feel confined. By focusing on light, movement, and material harmony, Fenech Adami turned a former utility area into a home that feels both lively and calm. The design doesn’t just fit its surroundings—it enhances them.
