Block 31 in Portomaso is a unique residence which was conceived to add a new dwelling type to the high profile Portomaso Marina accommodation portfolio. Block 31 was designed benefitting from DeMicoli & Associates experience of this typology in Istanbul - following extensive market research and an actual physical architectural model. An in-depth structural study pushed regular construction boundaries in Malta as the design had to be planned around the existing Portomaso car park structure. Furthermore, the site was too deep for a single apartment back-to-front as regards feasibility and adequate space design.
The solution was to edge the building into the existing pavement of Portomaso to gain more space. The obtained space and the conventional floor heights were abandoned so as not to limit the apartment space to long narrow apartments. Therefore, by splitting the rectangular plot through use of a corridor, the site was open to be designed with double loaded corridors and duplex loft-style residential units.
This vertical take on the contemporary open plan format acted as an ideal living environment for single dwellers or young couples – creating good spatial relationships with this particular demographic. The unit comprised living space and a kitchen area with a steel staircase leading to the bedroom zone on the upper floor. The highly finished and furnished unit made for interesting special design due to the high volume above the living space and because each section floated around on different levels.
