Studio NiCHE Transforms Bormla Rooftop Laundry into 28-Sq-Meter Home

Studio NiCHE has finalized The Blue Room, a micro-apartment spanning 28 square meters (301 sq ft) atop a rooftop in Bormla, Malta, transforming an unused laundry facility into a living space. Founder Martina Fenech Adami focused on maximizing functionality rather than increasing size. Custom joinery incorporates storage within the architecture, with mirrored wardrobes enhancing light and cleverly concealed storage accommodating the space’s unique shapes. Two visual perspectives—one toward the terrace and another across the skyline—create an illusion of greater floor area. The color scheme, tested against Malta's sky and limestone, features Mediterranean blue walls and beige microcement floors, while yellow highlights traditional Maltese timber apertures. Diagonal elements in the flooring and joinery guide the eye toward natural light and views, influenced by Bauhaus and Memphis styles. The bathroom showcases a red door, blue microcement, red glass mosaics, a puddle-shaped mirror, and fluted glass for light diffusion. A poster of Jeremy Allen White decorates the sleeping area, reflecting budget limitations. The project maintains existing structures, restores timber, and utilizes natural cross-ventilation and local limestone. Set for completion in 2025, the apartment also boasts a 10-square-meter terrace and draws inspiration from Chris Briffa Architects' Casa Bottega in Valletta and Clara Crous's La Fusteria in its adaptive reuse methodology.