The balcony magically opens up to reveal the stunning view of the Grand Harbour. Photos: Chris Briffa Architects

Hidden among the traditional wooden balconies dotting the walls of Valletta apartments overlooking the Grand Harbour is one with secret doors.

Painted a beautiful shade of sky blue, the top and bottom panels of the balcony can be opened out completely by hinging outwards and packed on the side, leaving a breathtaking view of the Three Cities and harbour.

This innovative project was the brainchild of Chris Briffa Architects, which was given a very simple but clear brief.

“The client owned an apartment with the most amazing view, but the balcony was hiding it. He wanted to be able to enjoy his view from everywhere in the room, whether sitting, standing or lying down,” Chris Briffa said.

The structure looks identical to the traditional balcony in its closed position, with the glass shutter, or purtell, on top and the fixed timber panel or pannew, below.

When the central lock is released from the inside, the four large glass apertures and lower timber panels hinge out and pack on the side, unveiling the hidden safety glass railing.

The traditional metal locks and hinges were manufactured by a local blacksmith and the closing system is based on the traditional bolt system that secures the large folding parts in place.

Mr Briffa said he always lived in buildings with a Maltese balcony.

“In my previous home, which I designed 14 years ago, I had devised a system where the side top and bottom panels totally hinged outwards to bring in the sea views and this was probably the first attempt at giving this traditional feature a new function.”

This project would give a new dimension to heritage as “we need to stop looking at the old as something that has to be religiously preserved no matter what”.

For the sake of posterity “we have to be allowed to write new chapters in our cultural and architectural make-up,” he added.

The first prototype of this balcony was installed last October and the company is monitoring its performance on a quarterly basis while studying systems for odd and multiple panel balconies.

We have to be allowed to write new chapters in our cultural and architectural make-up

He pointed out that most “so-called heritage consultants and committees live in a fantasy world” where the past has to be frozen and not allowed to co-exist with the present.

“This is the wrong message and needs to be challenged by young designers and architects,” Mr Briffa said.

There was great interest in the project, which was even given a special mention during the Din l-Art Ħelwa architecture awards, because it touched something “very dear to all of us”.

The company has applied to patent the design and it was in the process of being accepted.

“It is part of our heritage and yet it is a simple idea that offers valuable contemporary directions,” he said.