Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1540730
Architecture & Design | 15 surroundings, understanding what works, what doesn't, and how our intervention can add value without disrupting the existing balance. We always try to use materials that are local, accessible, and visually pleasing. Limestone, in particular, ties new structures to their context while maintaining a strong sense of place. Dar it-Tarag has just been announced as a finalist for the Adaptive Renovation category and Single Dwelling Design award of Premju Galizia 2025. What was your role in this project, and what makes it special to you? Dar it-Taraġ was a special project because it represented a truly comprehensive effort by Periti Studio. We were essentially the factotum, responsible for all aspects and decisions throughout. Bringing together multiple disciplines allowed us to maintain a cohesive vision from start to finish. The property originally consisted of three separate family units and transforming it into a single cohesive dwelling required sensitivity and creative problem-solving. Our interventions were bold where needed but carefully balanced to blend seamlessly with the existing structure. Seeing how the space now functions and how old and new coexist makes this project especially rewarding. Working on adaptive renovation projects like Dar it-Tarag often means balancing old and new. How do you approach the structural challenges of restoring Malta's historic fabric? Respect for the original building is always the starting point. Malta's historic structures come with limitations in traditional techniques, so understanding those constraints is essential before introducing modern interventions. Our approach is to blend contemporary methods and materials with traditional ones in a way that complements, rather than competes with, the existing fabric. When done thoughtfully, the result is both structurally sound and architecturally harmonious. That balance between preservation and innovation is what makes these projects so rewarding. With Malta's current development trends, where do you see opportunities for more sustainable or context-sensitive design? Malta's rapid development brings both challenges and opportunities. I see real potential in prioritizing adaptive reuse and renovating existing structures rather than always building new. By working with the materials and forms already present, architects and engineers can create designs that are both sustainable and context-sensitive. Additionally, integrating energy-efficient solutions, smart urban planning, and environmentally conscious materials in new developments helps promote sustainability. Congratulations on winning the MASP Award for the Gozo Primary School project! What was Periti Studio's main contribution to this project? Thank you! The Gozo Primary School is a project we're especially proud of. A lot of the praise must go to Nicky Mallia, my Partner at Periti Studio who worked tirelessly on the project for a number of years. Our role as both architects and engineers was extensive, but what made it stand out was how it evolved during construction. Excavation uncovered Punic tombs and a medieval subterranean farmhouse, which meant we had to adapt and redesign as the project progressed. Despite these challenges, we stayed true to our vision: creating a colourful, sustainable, and efficient educational environment. Balancing the preservation of history with a forward-looking, child-centred school was incredibly rewarding for the team. What does receiving national recognition like the MASP Award mean for a relatively young and growing practice like Periti Studio? It validates the decisions we make and inspires us to push ourselves further. Awards