Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1534837
Architecture & Design | 23 Navigating Challenges with a Multi-Disciplinary Approach The restoration process was not without its complexities. Years of structural deterioration had left the house vulnerable. The project team devised and implemented a program of concealed reinforcements, allowing the house to meet modern safety standards without compromising historical authenticity. Equally challenging was the urban context. Located within Mdina's tightly woven and heavily regulated historic core, the project demanded exceptional planning, coordination, and respect for the surrounding architectural environment. Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Design Sensibility The restoration combined historical research with hands-on craftsmanship. Authentic materials and traditional techniques were used wherever possible, allowing modern comforts — such as integrated climate control, lighting systems, and power outlets — to exist unobtrusively within the interior, which has been restored to reflect the lifestyle of an affluent 19th-century Maltese noble family. Now open to the public as a house museum, Casa Gourgion offers more than just an architectural experience — it tells the story of Mdina's layered past, the evolution of Maltese domestic life, and the enduring charm of its unique neo-Gothic identity. The house remains under the stewardship of Marian Galea, a descendant of the De Piro Gourgion family, and her husband Chris. Together, they serve as the museum's patrons, and on any given day, visitors might encounter Marian, Chris, or other family members on site, deepening the sense of connection between past and present.The museum is directed by Jennifer and Alan, whose leadership ensures the house continues to engage and inspire a wide audience. The project has earned widespread praise, both locally and internationally, and has been recognised with the highest honour for Heritage Preservation at the Premju Galizia Awards, as well as a Silver Award at the Malta Business Awards for its contribution as a local cultural institution. Casa Gourgion stands today not just as a restored landmark, but as a vibrant symbol of how thoughtful conservation and contemporary design can work hand in hand; a celebration of architectural legacy, family heritage, and community pride.