AP Valletta’s Naxxar House project has been selected as one of five global finalists in the Architecture + Stone category of the prestigious 2025 Architizer A+Awards.
A sensitive a renovation of an 18th-century palazzino provides an example of thoughtful adaptive reuse, and a lesson on how restoring and reusing historic structures can promote sustainable heritage. Intervening on a simple gem of Maltese architectural heritage, the project is based on a respectful dialogue between old and new and stands as a quiet act of resistance to the pressures of rapid urban development in the area.
“We love the idea of applying the principles of scenography to Architecture – light, scale, perspective- to convey mood or feeling. This project was the ideal opportunity to exploit millennial forms for contemporary functions. What once shielded the user from the onslaught of enemy projectiles now shields the occupants from the undesirable gaze of the neighbours.” Konrad Buhagiar, Founding Partner of AP Valletta
“Working closely with our clients in the formation of their new home, addressing current requirements whilst being committed to preserving the property’s historic worth was at the forefront of the design team’s approach. The sculpted stone façade gives the property a modest elegance – functional and contemporary, yet respectful of the property’s architectural heritage. The vertical planes of the stone screen become sculpted horizontal planes of the outdoor dining and pool decks within the garden the screen shields.” Rosanne Asciak, Partner & Project Leader
Other finalists in the Architecture + Stone category include: Taller Ezequiel Aguilar Martinez (Mexico), Dong Lu Yuan (China), Dongqi Design (China) and Giulietti Schouten Weber Architects (USA).
The winners will be announced in June, in New York.
This is a Popular Choice Award, and your vote can help Naxxar House win! Voting is open until 16 May, and you can vote once daily.
Vote for Naxxar House here! https://tinyurl.com/2m4y9tda
Press:
Times of Malta - Naxxar palazzino renovation in the running for global architecture prize 14.05.2025
Design Dispatch - Restored Naxxar home by AP Valletta puts studio in the running for international award 09.05.2025
MeetInc - Naxxar House by AP Valletta named global finalist for 2025 Architizer A+Awards 09.05.2025