Traveling : Escofet elements in St-Julian's in Malta

23 August 2024 by

Servibo BV, Peter Servais

An architectural gem in St-Julian's

While on a relaxing trip to Malta, I stumbled upon a truly unique real estate project in this coastal town.

The design of the towers and the adjacent typical Maltese building, Mercury House, made me stop and take a moment to appreciate this gem.

The Unique Architecture of Mercury Towers

The special shapes of the building facades and the combination of different functions were intriguing enough to learn more about. Naturally, there was also that bit of professional curiosity that led to this blog post. The photos already give you a preview of what’s to come.

This nearly completed complex consists not only of the two towers but also of several other mid-rise buildings and incorporates the historic Mercury House. This latter building was constructed in 1903 as a telecommunications hub for the island. The combination of this historic building with modern, multi-modal use surely has a story to tell.

Mercury Tower: A Landmark in St. Julian's

The Mercury Towers project in St. Julian's, Malta, is an impressive high-rise project that stands out; not only from the street view but certainly also in the local skyline. Designed by none other than the world-renowned architect Zaha Hadid, the building stands out with its slim, twisted shape that gives it a dynamic yet elegant character. The striking feature of this design is how sleek lines are combined with flowing forms, which is typical of Zaha Hadid's futuristic style and gives these towers a unique identity.

Modern design with strong visual lines

The imposing design of these elegant buildings gives them a dynamic and organic appearance. The combination of curved lines and branches in the facades appears futuristic without being out of place.

The lighting plan highlights these buildings and makes them a true landmark.

At approximately 121 meters tall, the Mercury Tower is one of the tallest buildings in Malta. The building offers space for both residential and commercial functions, including luxury apartments, office spaces, shops, and restaurants. This multifunctional setup makes the tower a key destination within St. Julian's, where living, working, and recreation come together harmoniously.

Zaha Hadid's Architectural Legacy

The concept design of the Mercury Towers was still signed off by Zaha Hadid herself before her untimely death in 2016. Just as with the Port House in Antwerp, she has once again designed a characteristic landmark in St. Julian's. The Mercury Tower is an impressive example of contemporary architecture and urban development.

It combines aesthetic appeal with functionality and represents the progress and dynamism of Malta's urban landscape.

Mercury Towers:
A Symbol of Modern and Historic Synergy

Mercury Towers stands not only as an architectural masterpiece but also as a symbol of Malta's growing reputation as a destination where modern and historical elements blend seamlessly. The project demonstrates how innovative designs can add a new dimension to a historic location, making it a must-see for both architecture enthusiasts and travelers.

The Role of Escofet in This Iconic Project

For urban planners, architects, landscape designers, and others involved in shaping public spaces, Mercury Tower offers an inspiring model of how modern technology and design principles can be integrated into urban development.

But why dedicate an entire blog post to a piece of impressive architecture in Malta on Servibo’s website? As you have seen in the video, considerable attention was also paid to the surroundings and outdoor spaces in this project. Our partner, Escofet by Molins, had the honor of supplying its urban furniture for this project.

Various seating elements are provided at different levels of this project, sometimes combined with greenery. At street level, illuminated delineations are also used to separate the pedestrian zone from the roadway. All of this contributes to a sustainable and functional urban environment that perfectly aligns with the vision of Zaha Hadid Architects.