maurizio ascione’s subdued twentyfour residence is a modern take on maltese aesthetics

twentyfour by Maurizio Ascione / 3DM Architecture

Tucked in between buildings in Rabat, Malta, the twentyfour residence is conceived as a reimagining of conventional architectural norms by Maltese architect and designer Maurizio Ascione. The project, completed earlier this year, carefully pairs timeless, local aesthetics with a modern sensibility, resulting in a subdued and primitive-like ambiance that spans every corner of the dwelling. Crafting such a minimalist appeal required a meticulous interplay of natural light and shadows backdropped by a monochrome palette. Complementing the hushed aesthetic is a strategic incorporation of curvilinear elements by 3DM to further orchestrate a sense of spatial hierarchy within the interiors. 

a four-floor dwelling with subdued maltese aesthetics

Functionally, the twentyfour dwelling by Maurizio Ascione / 3DM Architecture (see more here) expands onto four levels. The initial tier offers a communal space to residents, connected to the remaining levels via a traditional staircase. Culminating in an overhead skylight, this ascent becomes pivotal for interior illumination. The subsequent level houses private quarters, including bedrooms. Progressing upward, the second floor stands as a zone for an art studio and leisure, opening onto an expansive terrace linked to the rooftop by external stairs. Material-wise, the architect selected a limited palette of stone and concrete, encouraging a balanced contrast of rough and smooth surfaces. 

1/11

project info:

name: twentyfour 

location: Rabat, Malta

architect: Maurizio Ascione / 3DM Architecture | @3dm_architecture

photographer: Matthew Farrugia

compeltion year: 2023