New government schemes to preserve historic buildings are set to be rolled out as a €5 million initiative for the restoration of old properties in Victoria will be extended to other villages in Gozo.

Speaking at the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning (MASP) Awards, the Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri said the Planning Authority will launch similar restoration and rehabilitation initiatives across Malta following the recent introduction of the scheme in Victoria.

Some of Malta’s most impressive architectural and interior design projects, including Casa Gourgion, Teatru Salesjan and the Kalkara Regeneration Project, were honoured at MASP Awards.

Organised by the Planning Authority under the patronage of the President of Malta, the MASP Awards celebrate design excellence in the built environment and recognise projects that shape Malta’s future while respecting its past.

President Myriam Spiteri Debono highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable development and fostering a holistic and ethical approach that gives due consideration to various aspects of people’s lives, including physical, mental, and psychological health.

This year’s President’s Award was presented to Perit Joanna Spiteri Staines for her outstanding lifetime contribution to architectural education, theory, and practice, particularly in the conservation of architectural heritage and contemporary insertions.

Teatru Salesjan in Sliema led by Chris Briffa Architects was the winner of the Rehabilitation and Conservation Award. 

Naxxar House in Naxxar by AP Valletta and Pjazza 1902 in Pembroke by Perit Samuel Formosa both received a special commendation in this category.

The Restoration Award was given to Model and CVC Architecture Studio for Casa Gourgion. The project merited an award for its high-quality restoration of this iconic and much-photographed building in Mdina.

Winnow in Rabat by Archi + is the winner of the Residential Architecture Award maximising its narrow site despite a constricted width of only 3.3 meters. In this same category a special commendation was given to CPM Projects Studio & Perit Dawn Fearne for Monolith25 in Swieqi.

The Open Spaces award was won by GHRC for Kalkara Regeneration project. The jury felt the project expertly balances commercial, cultural, and public uses, showcasing the importance of community planning as an integral aspect of the design of open spaces. 

The Heart of Mosta: From Space to Place by Studjurban and Formal Garden in Ta Qali by Public Works Department received a special commendation.

The Primary School in Victoria, Gozo was the winner of the Commercial and Public Buildings Award. This innovative school design blends a child-centric aesthetic with vibrant colours and integrated landscaping, while respectfully preserving the original modernist building by architect Joseph Huntingford.

Sustainability was paramount, incorporating natural light and traditional bamboo louvers for occupant well-being. Uniquely, the project showcases significant archaeological discoveries—a Roman quarry, a presumed Punic tomb, medieval farmhouse foundations, and ancient water reservoirs—directly within the school’s educational spaces.

Attard Cultural, Educational and Information Centre in Attard by Architecture XV and Go Technical Centre in Zejtun by AP Valletta respectively received a special commendation.

The Interior Architecture Award for Residential Buildings was won by Damiano Meneguzzi Architects with his project Casa Leone in Zebbug (Malta).

Casa Ursula in Valletta by Openworkstudio and Casa Bormlisa in Bormla by Architecture Three Sixty received a special commendation in this category.

The Mercury Underground Cold War Vaults in St Julian by DAS Architecture Studio & Mina Design Studio took the prize for the Interior Architecture Award for Commercial or Public Buildings. This project transformed the historic Mercury House Underground Vaults, a former wartime bunker, into the Me Hotel Spa.

University Student Karl Farrugia was the winner of the Outstanding Student Project Award with his project Balluta Bay: Connecting Land and Water. This project addresses the decline of Balluta Bay, a busy Maltese urban coastline, by tackling issues like limited green spaces, poor pedestrian access, and coastal erosion.

Kliem fuq Kliem in Pieta by Jodie Azzopardi, Sarah Vella, Stefan Scerri, Nikolai Mercieca and Repose in Marsa/Paola by Gary James Ghirxi and Regatta Club House in Birgu by Riccardo Gatt Ellis received special commendation in this category.

Two projects were given a special commendation in Urban Planning Concept category namely the Victoria Parks & Sky Walk by Doric Studio and Connecting Malta’s Coastline by MA Architects.

The Small Project award was won by Zack Ritchie for his project Archipals in St Julians. This project consists of five bronze figures, including the Luzzu boat and the Knight of St. John, playfully reimagine Maltese heritage.

The jury gave the Sustainability Award to Ġnien fuq il-Glażiż in Vittoriosa by Doric Studio as it demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental sustainability while promoting social sustainability through the provision of a well design green open space. 

A special commendation was also given to Casa Leone in Zebbug by Damiano Meneguzzi Architects. 

The Public Vote Award was won by Riccardo Gatt Ellis for Regatta Club.