Development in Malta is at an all-time high – everyone knows this. But this new dwelling that popped up in St Julian’s is something else. Italian studio, Architrend, completed the project known as ‘House B’ which replaced an old terraced house.

The residence was built using reinforced concrete, while its front elevation incorporates a glazed façade which allows it to stand out from the traditional buildings that surround it. The glazed façade creates a fresh atmosphere in the interior, giving the house a unique identity within the neighbourhood’s streetscape.

The see-through quality is enhanced by the swimming pool on the rooftop, comprising of a glass bottom and walls, finished with a wooden deck on the terrace offering panoramic views of the coast. Basically, you can see through to the whole apartment, which in my opinion is a safety hazard, but that’s just one thing to consider.

The apartment was posted on the Facebook group, Id-dar Maltija, and raked in quite the mixed reactions. “Just another ‘modern’ eyesore,” said one user, while another said that it’s not an ugly house as a standalone, but clearly clashes with its surroundings. And many seem to agree with this fact. “Aesthetically, it’s out of context with the surroundings, and though it’s futuristic and clean, it would be more appreciated in a contemporary space.”

“Personally, I think it’s a designer house. Can you imagine living in it? No privacy at all,” said one guy. One woman said it was a nice building but stood out from the rest of the street’s vibe. One other Facebook user said it’s “not as bad as most of the buildings being erected nowadays, however I doubt its practicality in our climate. I wouldn’t like living in a fish bowl!”

What do you think about the structure?