Photo by MarkSeelen
The Cugó Gran Vittoriosa boutique hotel in Malta opened its doors to its first guests this summer. Formerly the residence of the captains of the Order of Malta, the building was transformed into a high-end hotel with 18 suites by architect Bastian Große Halbuer (Qcoon Real Estate GmbH) in collaboration with interior designer Adelgunde Große Halbuer. Occhio oversaw the entire lighting design project: from concept development to technical integration, through to final implementation.
Balancing heritage with a new idea of luxury
The building’s new use aims to breathe new life into the palazzo, which had stood abandoned for years, while respecting its history and style. The original barrel vaults, stone walls, and the magnificent skylight in the entrance hall have been restored. The lighting design presented the architects with particular challenges, chief among them the search for technical solutions that could be mounted on walls and ceilings without damaging them.
Working closely with Occhio, lighting designer Erol Siegert-Knop conceived a warm, delicate, and dynamic lighting scheme: “Drawing inspiration from the color temperature of candlelight—the original source of light—we collaborated with the architects to develop an atmospheric lighting concept that would enhance the dramatic quality of the spaces. A color temperature of 2700 K was chosen as the basis for the entire building. In the restaurant, however, the Luna pura lamps provide an even warmer light at 2200 Kelvin. The high color rendering index (CRI 95) brings out the natural Maltese stone, restoring its full, authentic color.”
From the suites to the bar: how light changes throughout the spaces
The dynamic quality of natural light runs through the entire project like a common thread. During the day, soft light filters through the glass roof and floods the lobby, then gradually transforms, as the sun sets, into the warm glow of the Sento sospeso pendants.
In the hotel bar on the ground floor, the vaulted ceiling offered only a few mounting points, calling for a pared-back design language. Coro Moon sospeso and Coro Moon spider fixtures were selected from the Occhio catalog to create a sculptural installation. The installation is controlled via the Occhio Air system.
The suites forgo recessed fixtures in favor of more decorative lamps. For example, in the triplex units, three Mito sospeso lamps run vertically through the full height of the rooms on all levels, creating a dramatic effect visible even from the outside. In the hallways, stairwells, and passageways, lighting serves a guiding function: Sento sospeso traces the route, while Sento verticale highlights the staircases. A wall in front of each bedroom door marks the transition from the public to the private area, while also offering an elegant and evocative welcome to guests.