Dar It-Tarag Residence by Periti Studio: Reviving an 18th-Century Maltese Farmhouse with Modern Elegance

A Heritage Reborn in Naxxar

Nestled in the historic heart of Naxxar, Malta, Dar It-Tarag Residence by Periti Studio stands as a masterclass in adaptive reuse and architectural conservation. Once an 18th-century vernacular farmhouse, the property had remained abandoned for more than half a century. Time and neglect had left deep marks, but also traces of immense character — from stone slab ceilings and timber beams to arched passageways and a traditional mill room.

Organized around a central courtyard and divided into three distinct wings, the farmhouse originally served as both a working farm and a family dwelling. Despite its beauty, the fragmented layout and dilapidated state rendered it unsuitable for contemporary living. The challenge facing Periti Studio was formidable: to honour the building’s heritage while transforming it into a functional, welcoming home fit for modern life.

Design Vision: Unity Through Conservation

The design philosophy guiding Dar It-Tarag Residence was rooted in conservation best practices — retaining authenticity while creating a cohesive architectural flow. Periti Studio’s vision was to unify the separate wings into one interconnected residence that still celebrated its layered past.

The architects meticulously restored original materials — stone walls, timber beams, and xulliel masonry — while introducing new interventions that were both legible and reversible. Modern mechanical and structural systems were seamlessly integrated, ensuring that technological upgrades did not compromise the home’s traditional character.

Natural light was reintroduced through strategically placed skylights, enhancing the home’s southward orientation to maximise solar gain during winter months. The resulting interior feels bright, open, and deeply connected to its outdoor spaces.

A Sculptural Staircase: The Heart of the Home

The project’s defining feature is an architectural concrete staircase — both a connector and a statement piece. This sculptural element links the upper wings of the residence while freeing up valuable courtyard space below. Its bold, modern geometry contrasts elegantly with the surrounding limestone walls, creating a visual dialogue between past and present.

Every junction between old and new was treated with utmost care. Local stone and restored timber coexist harmoniously with plastered concrete, glass, and minimal detailing, illustrating Periti Studio’s mastery of material contrast.

Materiality and Sustainability

At the finishing stage, the architects selected natural materials that evoke warmth and tactility — essential qualities for a family home. Sustainability was approached quietly but effectively:

• Double-glazed apertures improve thermal insulation.
• Insulated ceilings and energy-efficient walls reduce heat loss.
• The use of local materials minimizes environmental impact.

These sustainable choices enhance comfort and longevity without distracting from the home’s heritage charm.

A Courtyard Reimagined

The central courtyard has been transformed from a neglected void into a vibrant living space that anchors the home’s daily rhythm. Acting as both a threshold and gathering area, it integrates outdoor living into everyday family life — a true reflection of Maltese domestic culture.

The concrete staircase not only provides vertical circulation but also becomes a recurring visual and experiential element throughout the day. Its sculptural presence reminds the inhabitants of the home’s layered history, even as they move through bright, contemporary spaces.

Living Tradition: A New Model for Maltese Conservation

Dar It-Tarag Residence exemplifies how historic Maltese farmhouses can be revitalized without erasing their identity. By pairing rigorous conservation with innovative design, Periti Studio has demonstrated that architectural heritage can evolve gracefully within the realities of modern family life.

This project is more than a home — it is a case study in sustainable adaptive reuse, illustrating how energy efficiency, craftsmanship, and cultural continuity can coexist. Beyond its physical transformation, the residence contributes to the broader conversation about Malta’s architectural heritage and its place in contemporary society.

Dar It-Tarag Residence is a testament to balance and sensitivity — between the old and the new, the historic and the contemporary. Periti Studio has successfully revived an abandoned farmhouse, transforming it into a home that flows, breathes, and connects seamlessly to modern living. Through careful detailing, material honesty, and bold architectural gestures, the project sets a new benchmark for heritage restoration in Malta.

Project Details

• Architects: Periti Studio
• Location: In-Naxxar, Malta
• Area: 330 m²
• Year: 2025
• Photography: Ramon Portelli
• Category: Residential Architecture / Conservation / Adaptive Reuse

All photographs are works of Ramon Portelli