Transforming Shell Form Into Your Dream Home

Shell Form Interior Architecture

Buying a property in shell form is an opportunity to create a home fully adapted to your lifestyle. The structure is there, but everything else remains to be decided: layouts, finishes, lighting, plumbing, kitchen, bathrooms, storage, and furniture.

My role is to transform this empty canvas into a personalised and functional living space, and to prepare precise documents so contractors can price accurately and you avoid costly surprises during the works.

Interior view of a building under construction, showing unfinished concrete walls, ceiling, and floor with pile of wooden planks on the right, and large openings with views of neighboring buildings and blue sky.

Living room with beige sofa, wooden coffee table, armchair, potted plants, sliding glass doors opening to a balcony with outdoor seating, and a bright, airy atmosphere.

Understanding “Shell Form” in Malta

In Malta, a shell form property typically includes completed structure, roof, façade and common areas, but interiors are left unfinished. There is no flooring, no bathrooms or kitchen, no internal doors, and utility points are only brought to the entrance of the unit.

This flexibility allows you to shape the space as you wish, but it also requires careful preparation. Without a clear design package, contractors may quote based on assumptions, which often leads to extra costs, delays, or compromises in quality.

Floor plan of a multi-room apartment showing a lift, kitchen/dining/living area, two bedrooms, a bathroom, an ensuite, and two balconies.

Design Meets Compliance

When works involve structural modifications or require a planning permit, a Perit (warranted architect/engineer) is responsible for submitting the application and later confirming compliance with the approved permit once works are finished.

For water and electricity supply, the required certificates are issued directly by the authorised contractors licensed by REWS who carry out the works. These documents are needed before utilities can be connected. They are not provided by the Perit.

As an interior designer, I prepare the complete design intent package and coordinate with your Perit and contractors, ensuring that responsibilities are clear and the process runs smoothly.

Architects' blueprints with a hand using a pencil, a yellow construction helmet, and measuring tools on a table.

A Tailored Design Package for Shell Form Homes

My shell form interior architecture service includes:

Space planning: optimised layouts for every area
Technical drawings: detailed positions for plumbing, lighting and electrical points
Design package: plans, elevations, specifications, moodboards and shopping lists
Visualisations: 2D drawings and 3D renders to preview the result
Budget support: documents that enable contractors to provide precise and transparent quotations

This complete package secures your investment, reduces risk during works, and helps you achieve a home that is both functional and timeless.

Collage of minimalist interior design elements and rooms in neutral tones, including a shower, a textured wall, a living room with large potted plant, and fabric samples.

Architectural drawing of a room interior, showing furniture, stairs, and measurements, with annotations indicating materials and finishes.

A modern, minimalist living room and kitchen with beige walls, a round dining table with chairs, a beige sofa with dark pillows, a small balcony with outdoor seating through a sliding glass door, white and light wood kitchen cabinets, a black sink, and decorative shelves with framed pictures and books.

The Shell Form Design Process Timeline

A typical shell form project follows these steps:

Initial consultation – understanding your needs, budget and style
(around 1–2 weeks depending on availability)
Concept design – layouts and moodboards
(typically 2–3 weeks)
Detailed design package – technical drawings, specifications, 2D/3D visuals (4–6 weeks depending on project size)
Documentation handover – contractor-ready package for accurate quotations (about 2 week)
Support during quotation stage – clarifications for contractors if needed (1–2 weeks depending on contractor response time)

Your Questions About Shell Form, Answered

Do I always need a Perit for a shell form project?
Not always. A Perit (warranted architect/engineer) is required only if works involve structural changes or need a planning permit. For interior layouts without structural modification, no Perit is required.
Who provides the certificates for water and electrical connections?
The certificates are issued directly by the authorised contractors licensed by REWS who carry out the works. These documents are required before utilities can be connected and are not provided by the Perit.
Can I hire my own contractors?
Yes. With the design package in hand, you can request quotations from different contractors and compare them on a clear basis. This gives you freedom of choice and control over your budget.
Can you help me choose finishes and furniture?
Yes. The service includes moodboards, specifications, and a curated shopping list of finishes and furniture, adapted to your budget and style.
How long does a shell form project take?
For the service that stops at delivering the contractor-ready documents, the process usually takes 8–12 weeks on average, depending on the size and complexity of the property. This timeframe covers concept development, detailed drawings, 3D visuals, and the complete design package.
What makes a shell form project different from a finished property renovation?
With a shell form, there are no existing finishes to remove. This means more freedom but also more technical coordination from the start — layouts, utilities and finishes must all be planned from scratch.
When is the right time to start the design process?
Ideally as soon as you sign the promise of sale. Starting early allows the design package to be ready before contractors are engaged, saving time and avoiding rushed decisions.
Do I need to be in Malta during the process?
Not necessarily. Many clients live abroad during the design stage. Meetings and reviews can be done online, and the complete design package can be prepared remotely.
How do you control the budget in a shell form project?
By preparing detailed drawings and specifications before works begin. This reduces assumptions in contractor quotes and helps you compare offers on a like-for-like basis.
What happens once the design package is delivered?
At that stage, you can approach contractors with a complete set of documents. I can also assist during the quotation phase, answering contractor questions so you receive accurate and comparable proposals.