Refurbishment of Historic Mediterranean House: Naxxar House by AP Valletta

The Naxxar House, located in the heart of Malta, stands as a perfect example of how modern interventions can seamlessly blend with historical architecture. This 500 m² residence, designed by AP Valletta, involves the refurbishment and extension of an 18th-century Palazzino. Set just outside the Urban Conservation Area of Naxxar, the house has faced challenges from the surrounding high-rise apartment blocks that threaten its historical integrity. Through careful design and respect for the building's heritage, Naxxar House has been revitalized while maintaining its unique character and connection to its Mediterranean roots.

Preserving History and Enhancing Functionality

The project's aim was to meet the programmatic needs of the family while ensuring that the historical significance of the property was not compromised. The architects responded with a sensitive intervention that focused on the house’s existing memory and its context. A major component of the design was the creation of a screen wall on the façade, providing privacy for the terrace and garden, which includes a pool. The wall ensures that the residents can enjoy the outdoor space without overlooking from the nearby apartment buildings.

Transforming Historic Spaces into Modern Living Areas

One of the most significant transformations of the project was the conversion of the original farm building, once used to shelter animals, into the main living space. The single-story loggia now connects the main house to the outdoor dining space, seating area, and pool. Additionally, a second garden room was repurposed into a guest studio. These changes facilitate better connections between the indoor and outdoor spaces, ensuring the home is suited to modern living while respecting its historic roots.

The Contemporary Privacy Screen: A Harmonious Blend of Old and New

A key architectural feature of the Naxxar House is the fixed stone privacy screen that extends from the existing façade. Crafted from Maltese softstone (franka), the screen was designed to blend contemporary construction methods with traditional materials. The screen's undulating fins, which were sculpted using traditional techniques, offer the necessary privacy for the garden while creating a play of light and shadow across the façade. This innovative extension of the original building's volume not only maintains the building’s historic aesthetic but introduces a modern and functional addition to the space.

Integrating the Garden into the Architectural Dialogue

The pool garden surrounding the Naxxar House plays a pivotal role in integrating the home into its Mediterranean landscape. The design of the garden features elegant, multi-tiered stone planes, which emerge naturally from the existing garden, contributing to the property's timeless character. The arrangement of horizontal and vertical stone planes creates a delicate yet modern landscape that complements the traditional architecture of the house. The pool area is surrounded by Mediterranean fruit trees, adding an organic touch to the refined garden design.

A Contemporary Take on Historic Mediterranean Architecture

The Naxxar House stands as a remarkable example of how historic Mediterranean architecture can be adapted for modern use. Through the careful refurbishment and extension of the existing structure, AP Valletta has crafted a home that respects its rich history while providing the functional and aesthetic needs of contemporary life. The project successfully demonstrates how a contemporary vocabulary, when introduced thoughtfully, can blend seamlessly with traditional Mediterranean settings, ensuring the property remains relevant and vibrant for generations to come.