Parallel Architects

05/06/2026

TOWNHOUSE NO 60

Set within the protected urban fabric of Gharghur, Townhouse No. 60 traces its origins to a modest farmhouse. Over time, it has evolved through successive layers of extension and adaptation, each phase reflecting the needs and sensibilities of its moment. The ground floor retains the essence of the original structure — thick limestone walls, masonry arches, ‘xorok’ slabs, timber beams, and a stone staircase that leads down to an arched cellar. These elements form the tactile core of the house, anchoring it firmly to its past.

The first floor, a later addition, continues this architectural language, while new volumes extending to the roof reinterpret the typology for contemporary life. Together, these interventions create a vertical narrative of continuity and change, where traditional construction meets modern requirements.

At the centre of the plan, the former courtyard has been reimagined as a double-height interior volume beneath a generous skylight measuring 6.5 by 3 metres. This opening draws daylight deep into the house, animating the adjoining rooms and defining the kitchen and dining area as the social heart of the home.

The design approach is one of measured contrast. New interventions are articulated with precision and restraint, allowing the historic fabric to remain legible. The material palette is grounded in natural finishes: cross-cut travertine flooring, warm timber surfaces, and exposed stone walls left untouched where their texture and tone enrich the interior atmosphere.

Program – Rehabilitation
Location - Gharghur, Malta

https://www.parallelarchitects.com/townhouseno60

04/06/2026

TOWNHOUSE NO 60

Set within the protected urban fabric of Gharghur, Townhouse No. 60 traces its origins to a modest farmhouse. Over time, it has evolved through successive layers of extension and adaptation, each phase reflecting the needs and sensibilities of its moment. The ground floor retains the essence of the original structure — thick limestone walls, masonry arches, ‘xorok’ slabs, timber beams, and a stone staircase that leads down to an arched cellar. These elements form the tactile core of the house, anchoring it firmly to its past.

The first floor, a later addition, continues this architectural language, while new volumes extending to the roof reinterpret the typology for contemporary life. Together, these interventions create a vertical narrative of continuity and change, where traditional construction meets modern requirements.

At the centre of the plan, the former courtyard has been reimagined as a double-height interior volume beneath a generous skylight measuring 6.5 by 3 metres. This opening draws daylight deep into the house, animating the adjoining rooms and defining the kitchen and dining area as the social heart of the home.

The design approach is one of measured contrast. New interventions are articulated with precision and restraint, allowing the historic fabric to remain legible. The material palette is grounded in natural finishes: cross-cut travertine flooring, warm timber surfaces, and exposed stone walls left untouched where their texture and tone enrich the interior atmosphere.

Program – Rehabilitation
Location - Gharghur, Malta

https://www.parallelarchitects.com/townhouseno60

03/06/2026

A COASTAL HOME ABOVE DAHLET IL- FEKRUNA BAY

Two semi-detached first-floor maisonettes were structurally amalgamated to create a single fully detached dwelling. This intervention involved the formation of a series of substantial structural openings, enabling the integration of the two previously independent units into a cohesive residential layout.

The rear yard area, which was identified as being both underutilised and partially structurally deficient, was entirely demolished and redeveloped. The new intervention accommodates a garage and ancillary pool facilities at ground-floor level, surmounted by an overflow swimming pool with an adjoining deck area. The proposal further incorporates a large cantilevered planter and an elevated bridge structure spanning the two rear yards serving the underlying ground-floor maisonettes, thereby enhancing connectivity and maximising the use of the available outdoor space.

The pool is strategically positioned along the eastern side of the rear yard to maximise unobstructed views towards Daħlet il-Fekruna Bay. The infinity edge is located exclusively along this elevation, creating a visual effect that enhances the perception of continuity between the pool and the seascape beyond. While the pool water remains physically distinct from the surrounding environment, the design frames and accentuates the panoramic coastal views, enriching the experience of users within the pool and strengthening the visual relationship between the development and its maritime setting.

Program – Architecture & Interior Design
Location – Xemxija, Malta

https://www.parallelarchitects.com/il-fekruna

25/05/2026

We’re honoured to be awarded the BIG SEE Perspectives Award 2026 – Architecture.

A sincere thank you to fellow colleague Perit Antoine Zammit from Studjurban for the nomination and continued support. It is a privilege to have our work recognised on an international platform that celebrates innovation, creativity, and meaningful architecture.

Congratulations to all the awarded projects, nominees, and creatives contributing to the future of design and the built environment.

Read more about the nomination here:
https://bigsee.eu/edward-coppini-and-elisa-fedeli-malta-2026/

Edward Coppini and Elisa Fedeli, Malta, 2026 Facebook LinkedIn Twitter Pinterest Email Nominator: Antoine Zammit Nominator's statement Parallel Architects embodies a young practice that questions,...