Respecting Local Heritage:
Halmann Vella’s conversion of the impeccable Iniala Harbour House
photos by Frederick Muscat
Located on St. Barbara Bastion in Valletta, the Iniala Harbour House is in a league of its own when it comes to luxury finishes. The overall design combines ultra-modern finishes which complement traditionally restored materials showing a great respect for local heritage.
The conversion of this row of old Maltese houses into an elegant and luxurious hotel was entrusted to Halmann Vella as the main contractor, responsible for project management, fabrication, supply and installation of hundreds of square meters of marble and ceramic tiles.
New striking Travertine Silver flooring complements the old, restored marble stairs in the entrance. A contrasting border of Nero Marquina and Bianco Sivec marble embedded with lighting follows the contours of the walls.
The ground floor restroom follows through with the Nero Marquina marble flooring from the entrance, this time being paired with the rich Calacatta Retro Venato marble on the walls. Contrary to this, the flooring of the first-floor bathroom is made from light Cream Karaman interlaced with a refined ribbon of Verde Guatemala marble.
Iniala revolves around 3 well thought-out sets of theme rooms; The House, The Residences and The Hideaway. Entrance to ‘The House’ is through a restored grand staircase dating back to the late 19th Century leading to ten meticulously restored rooms ultimately heading to a hallway with a mix of Crema Laguna marble and Maltese Hardstone flooring.
Halmann Vella restored the ceiling at the Vaults Lounge to high standard, ready to welcome guests under the impressively lit vaulted ceilings
The suites themselves feature parquet-look floor tiles, generous bathrooms in Travertine Silver integrated with solid marble shower trays and custom made abstract art installations as wall features based on Valletta landscapes.
‘The Residences’ are four of the largest and most exquisite suites. The two Presidential Suites and the Grand Residence are individually designed with unique wallpapers and brass art pieces, natural wood flooring and furniture. Daino Reale and Black and Gold marble features throughout the whole suites. The bathrooms are complimented with Calacatta Retro Venato and Black and Gold marble pieces.
The Presidential Penthouse has a unique style, with Kerakoll flooring supplied and installed by JMV Ltd and an unparalleled Hardstone soffit crafted out of local hardstone cut using state of the art machines at our factory. It was then installed to a custom structure designed and fabricated at our factories. The coordination between the soffits, soffit works and sleek LED lighting, is a play on the city of Valletta, mimicking the traditional building materials.
Halmann Vella restored the ceiling at the Vaults Lounge to high standard, ready to welcome guests under the impressively lit vaulted ceilings.
The ION Restaurant on the top floor is finished with an original pattern design having a Cream Karaman marble interlaced with a refined ribbon of Verde Guatemala marble. The restaurant is complimented with a wooden soffit.
The lift flooring is an ensemble of luxurious materials using Infinity Engineered stone; Extra Statuario for walls and flooring and corner detail in Pietra Grey. A custom-made brass logo is inlayed in the floor using waterjet technology.
The calming atmosphere of the Essensi Spa at the hotel’s vaults was brought about by utilising Travertine Silver flooring throughout the spa and relaxation rooms. The green and blue glass mosaic tiles in the luxurious heated pool area were used to simulate the colours of the tranquil water.
The flawless experience at Iniala is designed by Acero, Autoban.
Comment