In the heart of Victoria’s old city, where the quiet charm of Gozo meets a growing community of independent creatives, Studio Ħalfa has emerged as a unique co-working space with soul. Created just nine months ago by Suzie Samut Tagliaferro, a 34-year-old landscape architect originally from Ta’ Xbiex, Malta, the space offers an alternative to the home office: an environment shaped by design, heritage, and connection.
In this interview, she shares how Studio Ħalfa came to life, how it’s been embraced, and where it’s heading next.
Finding a Home in Gozo
1. What brought you to Gozo and what made you stay?
My partner started his free-diving school on the island, so I slowly moved here to live with him. It offered a chance to start fresh, away from the fast pace of Malta. Now, I enjoy the balance of dipping into the chaos when needed, then retreating to Gozo to slow down and reset.
Having the choice between the two islands made it easier to make Gozo home.
At first, it was love that brought Suzie to Gozo — weekend visits to see her partner turned into a deeper connection not just with him, but with the island itself. What began as a personal shift soon opened the door to a new way of working and living. A landscape architect with studies in London, Suzie had always been drawn to spaces that breathe: places shaped by ecology, heritage, and human experience. Gozo, with its quiet rhythm and layered history, offered the perfect backdrop to reimagine how she wanted to practice.
In the years that followed, she established The Garden Studio, her landscape practice, and embraced a more collaborative, multidisciplinary approach : blending design, community engagement, and creative direction. Studio Ħalfa was the natural next step – a space that reflects her belief in design as connection, and in Gozo as not just a peaceful retreat, but a place to grow something meaningful.
Studio Ħalfa Takes Shape
Studio Ħalfa is a creative co-working space designed to offer an inspiring alternative to working from home. Located in the heart of Victoria’s old city, it provides freelancers, remote workers, and independent professionals with a comfortable, light-filled environment where they can focus, collaborate, and feel part of a community. More than just a workspace, Studio Ħalfa aims to nurture connections through events, workshops, and shared energy — blending the peaceful rhythm of island life with the creative pulse of a growing professional community.
2. Why did you choose the name Studio Ħalfa?
“Ħalfa” is my favourite swimming spot in Gozo, but the word also means “oath” or “vow” in Maltese. It felt like a symbol of the commitment I made to embrace this new chapter and not let opportunities pass me by. I opened Studio Ħalfa about nine months ago, and it has already started to grow into something really meaningful.
3. What made you choose Victoria’s old city as the location?
The old town has so much character. It’s central, the buildings are beautiful, and the streets are full of life. I wanted the space to have a certain atmosphere – to feel grounded yet inspiring. The natural light and original details inside the building make it feel just right.
4. How has the response been since opening?
The feedback has been really positive, especially about the calm atmosphere and thoughtful interior. It’s a space that feels like home: comfortable, sunlit, and quiet, but not empty. I’m really happy that people genuinely enjoy working here.
5. How do bookings work?
We offer flexible options: hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly passes. The space can also be booked for private workshops, talks, or team sessions with up to 12 participants. I usually meet with users first to create schedules that fit their needs, avoiding a rigid 9–5 routine.
6. What’s your vision for the future of Studio Ħalfa?
I’d love Studio Ħalfa to grow into a friendly, creative place where people feel comfortable to share ideas and work together. It’s more than just a desk, it’s about having events, workshops, and meet-ups that bring everyone closer. I want the space to stay flexible and open, so it can change with what people need. In the end, I hope it becomes a little community where creativity flows naturally and the island’s calm energy shines through.
How to Find Studio Ħalfa and Get in Touch?
Studio Ħalfa is right in the heart of Victoria’s old town, just a short walk from the centre. You’ll find it at 83 (Blue Shop), Triq Palma, VCT 1306, Victoria, Gozo – a quiet, characterful street lined with historic buildings and local cafés. It’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, soak in the atmosphere, and create.
If you’d like to book a desk or learn more about upcoming events, you can get in touch with Suzie directly:
📧 Email: studiohalfagozo@gmail.com
📞 Phone: +35679676869
📷 Instagram: @studiohalfa
📘 Facebook: Studio Ħalfa
Whether you’re after a quiet place to work, some creative energy, or simply a change of scene, Studio Ħalfa is always worth a visit.
The Garden Studio: Designing Landscapes That Breathe
Alongside Studio Ħalfa, Suzie also runs her own landscape architecture practice – The Garden Studio. Focused on sustainable and holistic design, her work brings together ecology, beauty, and function. With a background in landscape architecture and a passion for spaces that foster well-being, Suzie collaborates with private clients and architects across Malta and Gozo to create gardens that feel alive: seasonal, rooted, and thoughtfully crafted.
The Rhythm of Island Life
7. Do you see Gozo as your long-term base?
I feel deeply connected to both Gozo and Malta. Gozo’s calm and timeless charm is irreplaceable, but I do need the pulse and buzz of Malta from time to time. So, I see myself living between the two – embracing both peace and energy as they serve different parts of my life.
I guess I live between both – between peace and pulse.
Studio Ħalfa is more than just a co-working space, it’s a reflection of Suzie’s belief in the power of place, design, and human connection. As it quietly continues to grow, the studio is becoming a gentle catalyst for creativity in Gozo, offering both locals and remote professionals a space where work feels meaningful and community feels natural.
Whether through a shared desk, a creative workshop, or a spontaneous mixer, Studio Ħalfa invites people not just to work, but to belong.
If you’re an expat living in Malta or Gozo and have a story worth telling, we’d love to hear from you – connect with us through our social media or complete a contact form via our website.
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