Chris Briffa Architects, an architectural studio of Maltese and international repute, marks its 20th anniversary this month; a poignant milestone in its journey since its humble beginnings back in 2004.
“This month marks twenty years since the studio’s inception. A time for recollection and affinity, in an attempt to rekindle the same energy and idealism which started it all,” the studio noted, while digging through its own archives to revisit its most memorable projects.
Chris Briffa set up his eponymous studio in Valletta at the age of 30, and has gone on to build a distinguished portfolio of work over the past two decades which is synonymous with skilled design, a mindful convergence of old and new, and a stamp of bold elegance that seeks to blur the lines between art and architecture.
These include hospitality projects, namely Casa Ellul boutique hotel in Valletta; residential projects including Villa Saudade in Balzan – which comprises a villa built around a passive-design brief and a 100-year-old cypress tree; commercial spaces including the luxury Rolex store located on the main promenade in the capital city, as well as public projects.
The studio has also delved into product design, making waves a few years ago with its very own Gallarija Miftuħa, a timber structure that retains the aesthetic qualities of a traditional Maltese balcony, but with an additional function and purpose that allows the lower section of the balcony – typically built from wood – to open up, shielded by glass panels, revealing a complete view from behind the balcony.
Main photo: Chris Briffa Architects
