On the roof of an 18th‑century townhouse in Bormla, Malta, a former laundry space has been turned into an apartment called the Blue Room, designed by Martina Fenech Adami of studio NiCHE.
Design rooted in light and movement
The project began with an open‑air utility area that offered little structure. The design team reorganized the space around daylight, views of the sea and a sense of flow. Drawing inspiration from boat cabins, the layout relies on precise joinery to make every inch count. Instead of traditional walls, colour blocks, level shifts and diagonal lines separate functions while keeping the interior open.
A floor‑to‑ceiling mirror positioned between the living area and kitchen reflects sunlight from the terrace, brightening the interior and creating the illusion of a larger room. The mirror also serves as a subtle barrier, delineating zones without interrupting circulation.
Colour palette tied to the Maltese setting
Blue tones dominate the interior, echoing the island’s sky and sea. The kitchen cabinets, finished in a muted blue, blend into the surrounding walls and flooring, allowing the view beyond the terrace to extend visually into the room. Beige micro‑cement runs across the floor and countertops, recalling the limestone of nearby buildings. Slim beige tulip handles provide a gentle contrast against the blue cabinetry, anchoring the kitchen without disrupting its calm ambience.
Behind a large blue velvet curtain lies the sleeping area. A built‑in bed rests on a solid wood platform that houses storage, lighting and ventilation. A narrow integrated headboard replaces bedside tables, keeping the footprint tight. The arrangement merges furniture with architecture, yielding a compact yet cohesive retreat that can be closed off at night.
The bathroom entrance features a custom red door, a bold gesture that hints at the interior’s contrast. Inside, blue walls meet red glass‑mosaic tiles that line the shower and wrap the space, creating a unified look. A two‑tone diagonal floor—blue micro‑cement meeting red tiles—demarcates the toilet, vanity and shower while preserving the room’s overall flow.
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A floating trapezium‑shaped cabinet caps the dining counter. Its angled form continues the apartment’s diagonal geometry, easing the transition from kitchen to terrace. The cabinet’s depth adds legroom for diners and provides ample storage, demonstrating how geometry can serve both aesthetic and practical purposes.
The result feels spacious.
Beyond the immediate design elements, the project illustrates how limited footprints can still deliver a sense of spaciousness. By using mirrored surfaces, strategic colour choices and angular forms, the designers have turned a cramped rooftop into a light‑filled haven that feels larger than its actual dimensions.
From a broader perspective, such adaptive reuse projects respond to the growing demand for urban housing that respects heritage while offering modern comforts. Converting a historic building’s roof into a livable unit not only preserves the structure’s character but also adds valuable residential space in a city where land is scarce. This approach aligns with trends in many Mediterranean locales, where architects seek to balance preservation with contemporary needs.
Overall, the Blue Room stands as a compact home that reflects the surrounding light and colour. Its bold design decisions and meticulous detailing demonstrate how colour, geometry and integrated solutions can transform a modest rooftop into a distinctive living environment.
