Chris Briffa
Biography
ABOUT
Born and raised in Birgu, Chris Briffa (1974) set up his architectural studio in Valletta in 2004, aged 30. Since then, the studio has become synonymous with skilful design concerned with proportion, material and detail, flawlessly merging the historical with the new, and integrating passive-energy design concerns with bold elegance. The studio’s design projects range from original product design to revisiting traditional artefacts and new builds, often blurring the line between art and architecture.
Besides overseeing hospitality, residential and public projects locally, the award-winning studio is currently engaged with a number of international projects, and is committed to its involvement in the organisation of workshops and exhibitions aimed at raising design awareness across Malta and Gozo.
Chris studied at Virginia Tech (USA) and Politecnico di Milano (Italy) and is a graduate of the University of Malta, where he has since tutored hundreds of students within the Faculty of the Built Environment. He currently resides in Valletta with his wife Hanna and their three children.
PROJECTS TO BE PRESENTED DURING THE EVENT
Project #1: Casa Bottega
Project #1 Category: Sigle House (individual use)
Start year: 08.08.2014
Photos by Aldo Amoretti
Casa Bottega is both architectural practise and domicile. Over five years, with myriad concept and layout permutations, the structure was transformed into a studio and eventually a home, retaining distinct identities and addressing diverse needs, within the confines of an urban, historic neighbourhood.
While the lower levels embrace the existing structure and features, the penthouse is a contemporary counterpart, defined by contrasts between soft and hard materials, light and shade, solids and voids.
The new extension sits on two pre-cast concrete beams, shifting the entire weight of the penthouse onto the side party-walls, thus freeing the house from any additional load. The penthouse above the bustle of the street feels expansive, liberating. The folding living room doors pack up in a steel-unit which blurs the line between interior and exterior. Natural light fills the entire space from every wall, foliage and trees frame the roof top views, with both harbours beyond.
While the architect and his family moved in in 2020, Casa Bottega remains a work in progress – a symbiotic existence between dwelling, office and historic fabric – in constant transformation depending on the needs and realities of its various residents.
Project #2: Teatru Salesjan
Project #2 Category: Sport. Civic and Community
Start year: 05.05.2018
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From its inception in 1910, Teatru Salesjan functioned as a social magnet within Sliema, with philanthropic events and theatrical societies all calling the site home. Over time, advances in technical and theatrical infrastructure gradually made it more challenging to host contemporary productions. As a result, the theatre was missing out on potential shows, putting it at risk of becoming an outdated and financially unsustainable venue; a fate which many community theatres on the island have unfortunately succumbed to. By preserving its status as a social hub, the renovated and upgraded theatre is poised to strengthen the relationships between the building, its neighbouring urban environment, and the local community.
The interventions sought a sustainable design which included the missing modern building services. Theatrical lighting, fire safety, HVAC and Audio-Visual systems were discreetly integrated into the reworked balcony, limiting alterations to significant heritage features while offering flexible adaptability for different performance typologies. The drive behind this approach was to avoid visual clutter, preserve original finishes where feasible, and maintain the theatre’s characteristic clarity of form.
Project #3: Delimara Lodge
Project #3 Category: Healthcare. Wellbeing, Hotel. Leisure
Start year: 07.07.2021
