Studio NiCHE in Malta has unveiled its newest project, converting a historic karrejja—a narrow, often vaulted passageway characteristic of 16th-century Maltese architecture—into an amazing 28-square-meter (301-square-foot) studio that blends history with innovation. Named The Blue Room, this compact apartment is a component of a newly finished luxury guesthouse. Designed by Martina Fenech Adami, it cleverly showcases how micro-living can be both chic and sustainable.
The studio apartment is located within a 16th-century building, preserving its original limestone exterior while adopting a bold and modern identity. Instead of rebuilding entirely, Studio NiCHE opted to conserve the existing structure, thereby significantly reducing the project’s overall carbon footprint, which is commendable. “Sustainability starts with what’s already there,” said Fenech Adami.
Designer:
Within the apartment, a deliberate diagonal floor pattern guides the eye, creating the illusion of a larger space. This diagonal design also enhances the flow and functionality of the compact area. Space-efficient custom joinery was implemented, enabling the integration of a modern kitchen, a hidden sleeping nook, and concealed storage into a seamless design. “It’s about opening up perceived volume, not adding square meters,” said Fenech Adami.
The sleeping area is slightly elevated above the living space and concealed by a draw curtain, creating a clear separation between the two connected zones. While, a foldable futon-style bed allows the area to be easily transformed for various activities, such as entertaining, yoga, or home workouts. The kitchen features a sleek breakfast bar that overlooks the terrace, enhancing the home’s sense of space, light, and volume. The space is adorned with mirrors, including a mirrored backsplash in the kitchen, that reflect light throughout the interior, making the compact living space feel open and bright. The small bathroom is decorated with a red glass mosaic, transforming it into a playful and light-filled chamber.
The interior features a colorful palette with minimalist themes, using blue and limestone beige to echo Malta’s coastal hues and vibrant red accents for contrast. The exposed concrete ceiling, though raw and textural, contrasts with the interior’s refined elegance. The 10-square-meter (107-square-foot) outdoor terrace features a custom limestone planter replacing a traditional balustrade, merging greenery with architecture and creating a buffer from urban surroundings.
Completed in under three months, The Blue Room focused on precise fabrication of bespoke furnishings. This unique micro-apartment, designed for short stays, offers a compact and contemplative living space, blending minimalist design with functional elegance in a quietly radical manner. “The Blue Room is a celebration of possibility within constraint,” concluded Fenech Adami. This beautiful home is proof of how thoughtfully designed living spaces can enhance and elevate our lifestyle, improving our standard of living.
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