AP Valletta Offices – Valletta
AP Valletta completed a renovation project preserving historical character and incorporating a central courtyard to bring natural light into the six-story office building, promoting collaboration and creativity.
AP Valletta has completed the renovation of its historic building, located on St. Michael’s Bastion, part of the 15th-century enceinte, overlooking the entrance to Marsamxett Harbour. A tunnel runs beneath the building, connecting Sappers Street to the fortified ditch that surrounds the town. While the building’s original 17th-century structure was significantly altered during the 19th century, it retains its historical character. During the Crimean War, when Malta served as the headquarters for the Allies, Florence Nightingale was involved in an unrealized project for a military hospital on the bastion, which incorporated this building as the entrance wing. Despite changes over the years, it remains the only structure in the area to maintain its original appearance, as most of the surrounding buildings have been redeveloped in the eclectic style of the era.
The office design focuses on preserving the distinctive spirit of AP and its team. The six-story building is arranged around a central courtyard, a key feature that brings natural light into the interior. This communal yet private space harmonizes the solid and open elements of the design. Both the work and recreational areas are shaped by openness and transparency, while the elegant blend of materials such as wood, travertine, and concrete ensures a sense of quality and lightness throughout the space.
The ground floor is envisioned as a shared area for all tenants of the creative cluster, with a kitchen and lounge designed to foster a welcoming atmosphere. This space encourages relaxation and relationship-building, promoting collaboration and cultural exchange among the various creative entities and their guests.
Four Sappers offers a unique opportunity to create a hub dedicated to cultivating new ideas in Valletta. The cluster is designed to integrate fully with its urban surroundings and historical context.
Design: AP Valletta
Photography: Julian Vassallo
