Art Deco Apartment | Valletta, Malta

The renovation of a large apartment within an important Art Deco building in Malta features Drummonds’ classic bathroomware in both the master bathroom and a wetroom.

The three ‘Balluta Buildings’ were built in 1928 and are an Art Deco gem featuring complex structural and decorative stonework which also references the Art Nouveau.  At the time they were built, they offered twenty of the largest and most luxurious apartments in Europe.

Apartment 3 of the Balluta complex is one of the first apartments to undergo major renovation and required sensitive structural renovation as well as an entirely new layout and interior finishes.  The client’s brief was to restore the apartment to its former Art Deco glory, but with a contemporary approach and all possible modern comforts.

The work was handled by local architectural practice, Cuschieri Architects.  One of the greatest challenges was to provide those modern comforts, including a wetroom, underfloor heating, air conditioning and other services without compromising either the fabric or the dimensions of the space.

The main bathroom features a striking monochrome colour scheme with Drummonds’ Humber bathtub in a raw finish perfectly coordinating with the geometric floor tiles.

Across from the Humber and Eden is a bespoke double vanity cabinet painted in matt black and accessorised with two rectangular tilt mirrors, four single Chessleton lights, a glass shelf for toiletries and a robe hook.

Throughout, all the brassware and accessories are finished in a warm brushed brass to perfectly complement the monochrome scheme.

The wet room is a vibrant explosion of colour!  Striking emerald green tiles extend across the floor and up the wall creating the perfect backdrop to the double floor standing shower pipes and 300mm shower roses, once again with a brushed brass finish.

A single Ladybower vanity with distinctive white Arabescato marble is perfectly positioned opposite the shower.

Structural and service considerations apart, the choice of materials, fixtures and fittings was crucial, down to the very smallest detail. The original concept of the apartment had to be respected, using elements that reflected the exceptional quality of the original interiors.

The two bathrooms were designed to be amongst the major wow factors of the apartment and Both place Drummonds bathroom ware centre stage.