Blending Heritage and Modern Living in a Compact Maltese Home
Located into a quiet hillside street in Cospicua, Malta, COSPICUA_01 is a small home designed with care and intention. Studio NiCHE approached the project by blending contemporary design with elements of Malta’s architectural history. The result is a comfortable, practical space that reflects both the location and the lifestyle of its residents. We caught up with the design team to learn more about how they brought this thoughtful renovation to life.
Location: Bormla (Cospicua), Malta
Design: Studio NiCHE
Photography: Ramon Portelli
What was the inspiration behind the COSPICUA_01 project?
The main goal was to combine a clean, modern look with details that reflect the history and character of Maltese homes. The house is located in Cospicua, one of Malta’s historic Three Cities, so it felt important to respect that context while making the space feel fresh and livable for today.
How did you approach designing for a small space without compromising comfort?
We made sure every part of the layout worked hard. Built-in seating doubles as storage and even extra sleeping space. We kept things open and simple so the home feels bigger than it is, but also added cozy touches so it still feels welcoming and personal.
What are some key design elements that connect the home to Maltese heritage?
We kept and restored original features like stone staircases and traditional cement tiles. Where we added new elements—like patterned tiles or built-in furniture—we chose materials and colors that echo what’s typically found in older Maltese homes. It was about creating a balance between old and new.
How did you bring in natural light and a sense of openness?
Big windows bring in plenty of natural light and open up views of the harbor. There’s also a glass-enclosed space that helps connect the indoors with the surrounding landscape. These choices helped brighten the home and make it feel more open, even though it’s a compact space.
What makes the entrance of the home unique?
The yellow front door is one of the first things people notice—it brings a bit of color and character to the street. It’s framed by custom planters with lemons, which adds a personal, local touch. It sets the tone for what you’ll find inside: something fresh, but still connected to place.
How do you ensure the design feels personal to each client?
We always begin by learning about how the client lives and what matters to them. That guides decisions throughout the process—from layout to materials to small design details. In the end, it’s about creating a space that fits their daily life and feels like home.
