Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/943656
maltatoday SUNDAY 18 FEBRUARY 2018 This Week 41 THE 13th edition of the Din l- Art Helwa Awards for Architec- tural Heritage has awarded its top honour to Bezzina & Cole Architects for its regeneration of the Laparelli building at the Central Bank in Valletta. The jury was unanimous in its decision to award the Prix d'Honneur for Category A – a Major Regeneration Project, to "Binja Laparelli" by Bezzina & Cole Architects & Civil Engi- neers. The judges said this new build- ing had successfully achieved its scope while respecting the context of the fortifications. "Of particular note was the discreet rational approach, yet imagina- tive design in the stone screen created on the Bank's façade, and the integration of the design elements to complement the ex- terior walkway, and the histori- cal structures." The jury was composed of Conrad Thake from the Cham- ber of Architects, Antonio Mol- licone from the University of Malta, and Din l-Art Helwa Council Member Joanna Spiteri Staines, together with David Pace. Din l-Art Helwa Executive President Maria Grazia Cassar chaired the jury. The prize for Category B – The Rehabilitation and Re-Use of Buildings was awarded to Ed- win Mintoff Architects for the Macina project, which the judg- es felt was setting an example in the rehabilitation and re-use of military buildings. "This project achieved the nec- essary luxury for its new use as a high-end guest house, while the overall design concept retained the military functional feel of the building's previous use, es- pecially in the staircase and the courtyard," the jury said. In Category C - A Restoration and Conservation Project the prize was awarded to The Coach House by David Drago of Archi- tecture Project. "The interven- tion and extension upon the existing building consisted of a stone volume above the existing fabric. The limestone façade, detailed to mimic a weaved pat- tern, created a surface of chang- ing shadows echoing the ir- regular surfaces of the historical walls below." The Silver Medal prize was also awarded to The Coach House, because of the success of this project in creating a harmoni- ous intervention with the simple historical fabric of the existing farmhouse. The awards reward projects which an outstanding and sig- nificant contribution to archi- tectural excellence in a Maltese context, with a focus on regen- eration, re-use and conserva- tion. Chairman Maria Grazia Cassar expressed satisfaction at having witnessed great strides in the achievement of such objectives in the varied projects that had won the award over the years. "The competition has contrib- uted to the positive appreciation of the value of Malta's built her- itage." Central Bank's Laparelli building, Macina and Coach House scoop architectural awards Winners of the Xlll Din l-Art Helwa Awards for Architectural Heritage (from left to right): Rory Apap Brown, David Drago, Din l-Art Helwa Executive President Maria Grazia Cassar, Edwin Mintoff, Keith Cole and Alex Torpiano Silver Medal : The Coach House Cat. A : Binja Laparelli Exterior Cat B : Il-Macina - internal courtyard Cat.C : The Coach House