Seventeen IKLIN is a semi-detached villa set on a steeply sloping site of approximately 650 square meters. This project takes advantage of the site’s characteristics through a terraced scheme that integrates the building into the landscape with a series of stacked volumes.

Unlike a traditional house, the layout of the dwelling is inverted along both the vertical and horizontal axes. Entering from the lower end of the site, visitors are guided to the main entrance by an inclined exposed concrete screen wall that highlights the diagonal tensions of the topography. Access to the timber-clad main door is via a bridge spanning side sunken gardens, which invite light and air into the bedrooms, reminiscent of traditional Maltese courtyards.

The journey culminates at the upper level via a lightweight staircase, where stunning distant views can be enjoyed from the residence’s social spaces. The architectural form at this level is lighter and pavilion-like, featuring clean horizontal lines and cantilevered roofs that shelter large expanses of glass.

The roof-edge infinity pool serves as the focal point of this entertainment area, offering breathtaking views all the way to Mdina. Meanwhile, the living room at the rear extends to a quiet, sheltered upper garden space.