Nominator: Antoine Zammit

Nominator's statement

Parallel Architects embodies a young practice that questions, reflects and challenges the status quo. They are sensitive in their design approach and firm believers in what matters, such as context and quality. They think and choose less over more. You will not find run-of-the-mill projects in their portfolio, because they have chosen more meaningful paths than simply riding the wave of speculation, as others have unfortunately done. Parallel Architects offers a ray of light that seeps through the building frenzy in Malta, and they give hope to a new generation of architects who have consciously chosen to be on the right side of history.

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HIGH-RISE APARTMENT 180°

Suspended above the city, this high-rise apartment is conceived as a quiet observatory — a place where architecture meets the horizon. Framed by 180 degrees of uninterrupted views, the residence fully embraces its elevated setting, most dramatically to the east where dawn unfolds across Valletta and Manoel Island. A continuous ribbon of full-height aluminium sliding doors dissolves the boundary between interior and exterior, allowing light, air, and panoramas to permeate everyday life. These openings extend onto a deep, sheltered terrace — an outdoor room hovering above the urban fabric. The plan is organised around the choreography of views. Living, dining, and kitchen areas unfold as a single open landscape, anchored by monolithic sculptural elements that quietly define space. Bedrooms retreat to either end of the apartment, creating moments of privacy behind the veil of the landscape. Arrival to the living room occurs through a tunnel-like corridor wrapped in curved walnut timber. The passage compresses before releasing into light, intensifying the drama of the panorama beyond it.
DUPLEX PENTHOUSE MILAN

Perched above the Milan skyline, this duplex penthouse unfolds as a quiet dialogue between light, material, and emotion. The design embraces the duality of city life — vibrant and serene, structured and soft — weaving architecture and interior design into a seamless narrative of contemporary elegance. Sunlight drifts through generous glazing, softening the geometry of the space and tracing delicate shifts across the surfaces. The palette – a study in balance – pairs warm terracotta hues with muted greys and the natural grain of oak, creating an atmosphere both grounded and ethereal. Each space reveals its own rhythm: a living room defined by texture and intimacy, a kitchen conceived as a sculptural composition in black, and a bedroom where tactile fabrics and subdued tones invite stillness. Art, furniture, and architecture converge in harmony, every element thoughtfully placed to evoke both presence and pause. This penthouse is not simply lived in — it is experienced. A quiet retreat above the city, where design becomes a language of light, proportion, and quiet luxury.
MELAR OPERATIONS

Positioned as a 24-hour operational hub, the Melar Operations office reimagines the workplace as a fluid, responsive environment. The design centers on an expansive open-plan workspace, where the entrance, two conference rooms, and kitchen are thoughtfully arranged along one edge, allowing these areas to function both as essential facilities and as adaptable breakout or collaboration zones. Acoustics and lighting were treated as fundamental design elements, shaping the atmosphere and functionality of the space. Working closely with a sound engineer, we incorporated acoustically treated soffits and partitions, desk dividers, and carpeted flooring to absorb noise and maintain a calm, focused environment despite constant activity. Lighting transitions are automated, orchestrating a seamless shift between day and night that supports a continuous workflow. Flexibility defines the office’s spatial strategy. Rather than relying on fixed services or immovable furniture, the space employs freestanding, plug-and-play electrical poles with a one-meter displacement range, providing power to clusters of desks that can be effortlessly reconfigured. This modularity allows the office to evolve with changing operational needs, accommodating different work modes with ease. Materiality and color palette further reinforce the office’s identity. Muted greys, soft greens, and deep blues are complemented by the warmth of birch plywood, creating a contemporary and inviting environment. Every detail, from finishes to furnishings, contributes to a workspace that is at once functional, serene, and visually engaging—a place where continuous operations coexist with a sense of calm and order.