Chris Briffa Architects are excited to announce the launch of their second publication –Before,
during and after us. Photographed by Hanna Briffa and written by Ann Dingli, the book tells the
story of one building – the capsuled environment of their studio-home, inserted into the density of
the walled city of Valletta.

Unveiled at an open house event held at Casa Bottega, the hosts—comprising family members and
architects—welcomed guests into their home to experience a typical day within this award-winning
building. At the launch, a short film by Matthew Donaldson, from the renowned Nowness ‘In-
Residence’ series, was premiered for the first time in the piano nobile.

The linen-bound hardback chronicles the history, intention, design and making of a living and
working space for an architect, his family, and his design team; from its incremental acquisition, to
its spatial and physiological re-organisation, its meticulously introduced interventions, and the
conjectural visions of its future life.

‎

The publication delivers this story in two parallel narratives, one documenting the entire time-line of
its design, construction, and occupation, the other charting one day in the life of the studio-home.
Throughout, it is visually led, showcasing in detail the quality of its materials, volumes, drawings and,
particularly, the story of light within its ascending spaces.

The publication is about the beauty and potential of one singular building – how its fabric persists through time, witness to the ceaselessly changing shape of the life of its occupants.

‎

The limited edition publication is now available for purchase from Chris Briffa Architects, and can be
collected from Casa Bottega at 146, St Paul Street, Valletta

‎

‎‎‎