Getting the point
Could Tigné Point be the new Silent City? Zillah Bugeja is even more bowled over by its peace and quiet than by its clever design and magnificent views
Covering an area roughly the size of Mdina, the redevelopment project at Tigné Point is of a massive scale. What we are witnessing is actually the creation of a new neighbourhood - quite a historic event when you come to think of it. The area used to be a housing estate, a military base and before that, nothing. Now it's going to be something. And what a something.
To be honest, I'm not naturally overly fond of modern architecture, so on my first visit to the development I kept an open mind about the grid-like design of the verandas which are its public face to date. What I wasn't expecting is the quite different experience of being inside the development.
Still with my critical faculty switched on to full, I walked towards Caravaggio Court, where people have already moved in. The taller high-rise apartments rose up to my left, and I took in all the different sizes and locations of the windows. There was a feeling to the style that I couldn't quite put my finger on at first - it was unusually delicate and light.
Walking further in, I was intrigued by how the architects managed to create such a relaxed and safe feeling to the interior. I conclude that they have used (what I call) the principle of "line of sight". The walkways leading to the apartment block entrances are not laid out in a grid where your eye would be led to the horizon. Instead they meander, they go round corners, you cross little teak and steel bridges, so you feel you are in an intimate space. It is like walking through a modern parallel to Mdina, with interesting details to look at everywhere.
Although the walkways are not wide, in no way do the taller blocks feel oppressive. The private, shared central courtyards are delightful little oases with mature gardens and calming water features. Some ground floor apartments even have a gate that cuts off their "alley" from the others. Because of the way different levels have created terraces, the buildings seem to have emerged in a natural, organic way.
My "field of vision" theory also explains Tigné Point's ultimate selling point: The view. I was shown two apartments, both having Valletta and Manoel Island views. The scene from their front rooms is quite an eye-opener. They have quite possibly the best sea-plus-coastal views on the islands. But it's not only a magnificent vista, it is close enough to fill your line of sight and be a living, moving picture postcard. There is enough detail, in close proximity, for you to enjoy. I can compare this to the panorama in Spinola Bay, from St Barbara Bastions or from the terrace at the Radisson Golden Sands. On the other hand, while a lot of fuss is made of the view from Mdina, it is all too fuzzy and indistinct to really impress me.
So is anyone still wondering why people would want to spend considerable amounts of money on an apartment at Tigné Point? The view is one answer. The other is that they are almost all semi-detached so that natural daylight pours in from three sides. Forget your experience of apartments with beautiful sea-front living rooms, which then descend into long dark corridors. Tigné Point apartments are full of light. But won't it get too hot in summer? Nope, because the overhang of the 2.5 metres wide balconies cleverly provides ample shade, even at noon. Other patios gain shade from wooden trellising and ground-floor windows have those clever Italian roller shutters, too.
What is also impressive is that the front terraces are so wide that the owners will be able to entertain in style and ease because a large dining table will easily fit alongside chairs for lounging. In fact, a flat we saw has turf on half of its outdoor area, creating a picture-perfect front garden. At up to 50 square metres, these outdoor spaces easily compare in size to many internal courtyards in older homes.
It's almost needless to say that the standard of finish and details throughout is high, with lush landscaping, energy-efficient double-glazing and one of the fastest internet bandwidth available. The rooms are well-sized, with many bedrooms having ensuite bathrooms. Some apartments have their own, separate, granny flat and they all have pantry or laundry rooms and even a drying terrace, discreetly screened off, to hang your washing. With 24-hour managed surveillance and access control, on-site estate management offices and a foreshore residents' pool and clubhouse it seems that no detail has been left out.
Which leads me back to Mdina. Silence is included in the price too. If it weren't for the excavation works at Crowne Plaza next door, I wouldn't have been able to hear a thing. Where, but in cut-off areas or deep in the countryside, can you experience this kind of silence? Who would have thought that an urban development in the centre of one of the busiest areas of Malta could be so quiet? This will be the only completely car-free urban neighbourhood to date so presumably children will enjoy, being able to play safely outside. But what's the sound of children's laughter compared to the drone of cars and trucks?
This is probably the best that apartment living can offer to date. It is both luxurious and clever. The scale of the development has enabled the architects to consider the residents' total needs and not simply fill a space with as many units as possible. It's certainly more impressive from the inside than from afar.
The whole development will provide some 450 new homes, offices, a serviced apartment block, an impressive shopping complex where Debenhams have just signed up for a flagship store, a health and leisure centre, swimming pools, restaurants, cafés and a large public piazza, all in a car-free environment. Millions are being spent on renovating Fort Tigné and creating, for the first time ever, the possibility of walking all round the foreshore on what will no doubt become a favourite extension of the popular Sliema front, whether for an evening stroll or for exercise. It will also provide access for swimmers in one of the cleanest and most attractive waters in Sliema.
Seeing a recently finished apartment was my last eye-opener. Custom designed by a leading local designer, its stunning, bold colours, mirrors and electronics set the perfect scene for entertaining. While revealing what can be done to make a great space even better, I am glad I also saw the previous apartment, which didn't have the gizmos and make-up. Because it didn't need it.
What's the point of living in an apartment? This is it.
• Ms Bugeja has now joined the project as its new marketing executive.
To be honest, I'm not naturally overly fond of modern architecture, so on my first visit to the development I kept an open mind about the grid-like design of the verandas which are its public face to date. What I wasn't expecting is the quite different experience of being inside the development.
Still with my critical faculty switched on to full, I walked towards Caravaggio Court, where people have already moved in. The taller high-rise apartments rose up to my left, and I took in all the different sizes and locations of the windows. There was a feeling to the style that I couldn't quite put my finger on at first - it was unusually delicate and light.
Walking further in, I was intrigued by how the architects managed to create such a relaxed and safe feeling to the interior. I conclude that they have used (what I call) the principle of "line of sight". The walkways leading to the apartment block entrances are not laid out in a grid where your eye would be led to the horizon. Instead they meander, they go round corners, you cross little teak and steel bridges, so you feel you are in an intimate space. It is like walking through a modern parallel to Mdina, with interesting details to look at everywhere.
Although the walkways are not wide, in no way do the taller blocks feel oppressive. The private, shared central courtyards are delightful little oases with mature gardens and calming water features. Some ground floor apartments even have a gate that cuts off their "alley" from the others. Because of the way different levels have created terraces, the buildings seem to have emerged in a natural, organic way.
My "field of vision" theory also explains Tigné Point's ultimate selling point: The view. I was shown two apartments, both having Valletta and Manoel Island views. The scene from their front rooms is quite an eye-opener. They have quite possibly the best sea-plus-coastal views on the islands. But it's not only a magnificent vista, it is close enough to fill your line of sight and be a living, moving picture postcard. There is enough detail, in close proximity, for you to enjoy. I can compare this to the panorama in Spinola Bay, from St Barbara Bastions or from the terrace at the Radisson Golden Sands. On the other hand, while a lot of fuss is made of the view from Mdina, it is all too fuzzy and indistinct to really impress me.
So is anyone still wondering why people would want to spend considerable amounts of money on an apartment at Tigné Point? The view is one answer. The other is that they are almost all semi-detached so that natural daylight pours in from three sides. Forget your experience of apartments with beautiful sea-front living rooms, which then descend into long dark corridors. Tigné Point apartments are full of light. But won't it get too hot in summer? Nope, because the overhang of the 2.5 metres wide balconies cleverly provides ample shade, even at noon. Other patios gain shade from wooden trellising and ground-floor windows have those clever Italian roller shutters, too.
What is also impressive is that the front terraces are so wide that the owners will be able to entertain in style and ease because a large dining table will easily fit alongside chairs for lounging. In fact, a flat we saw has turf on half of its outdoor area, creating a picture-perfect front garden. At up to 50 square metres, these outdoor spaces easily compare in size to many internal courtyards in older homes.
It's almost needless to say that the standard of finish and details throughout is high, with lush landscaping, energy-efficient double-glazing and one of the fastest internet bandwidth available. The rooms are well-sized, with many bedrooms having ensuite bathrooms. Some apartments have their own, separate, granny flat and they all have pantry or laundry rooms and even a drying terrace, discreetly screened off, to hang your washing. With 24-hour managed surveillance and access control, on-site estate management offices and a foreshore residents' pool and clubhouse it seems that no detail has been left out.
Which leads me back to Mdina. Silence is included in the price too. If it weren't for the excavation works at Crowne Plaza next door, I wouldn't have been able to hear a thing. Where, but in cut-off areas or deep in the countryside, can you experience this kind of silence? Who would have thought that an urban development in the centre of one of the busiest areas of Malta could be so quiet? This will be the only completely car-free urban neighbourhood to date so presumably children will enjoy, being able to play safely outside. But what's the sound of children's laughter compared to the drone of cars and trucks?
This is probably the best that apartment living can offer to date. It is both luxurious and clever. The scale of the development has enabled the architects to consider the residents' total needs and not simply fill a space with as many units as possible. It's certainly more impressive from the inside than from afar.
The whole development will provide some 450 new homes, offices, a serviced apartment block, an impressive shopping complex where Debenhams have just signed up for a flagship store, a health and leisure centre, swimming pools, restaurants, cafés and a large public piazza, all in a car-free environment. Millions are being spent on renovating Fort Tigné and creating, for the first time ever, the possibility of walking all round the foreshore on what will no doubt become a favourite extension of the popular Sliema front, whether for an evening stroll or for exercise. It will also provide access for swimmers in one of the cleanest and most attractive waters in Sliema.
Seeing a recently finished apartment was my last eye-opener. Custom designed by a leading local designer, its stunning, bold colours, mirrors and electronics set the perfect scene for entertaining. While revealing what can be done to make a great space even better, I am glad I also saw the previous apartment, which didn't have the gizmos and make-up. Because it didn't need it.
What's the point of living in an apartment? This is it.
• Ms Bugeja has now joined the project as its new marketing executive.