Best architecture and design projects for 2019 recognised at MASP awards event

Some of Malta’s best architectural firms, architects and interior designers were recognised for the way they skillfully designed and carried out architectural and design projects over the past year.

With some surprise wins, along with some local favourites, these are the winners of the Malta Architecture and Spatial Planning Awards 2019 organised by the Planning Authority under the Patronage of the President of Malta.

Architectural firm MODEL won the award for Restoration and Conservation. Their project comprised a sensitive restoration of a townhouse in Sliema built during the first half of the 20th century in the Art Nouveau style. While intervening in a minimalist manner, the firm gave special attention to the catchment of natural light through a central skylight and skilful use of compatible materials.

Two commendations were also awarded. One was given to Dr Edwin Mintoff for the restoration and rehabilitation of the British-period building in Dock Number 1 in Cospicua and another to Perit Kenneth Zammit Endrich and Perit Samuel Cassar for the preservation and conversion of a traditional house in Rabat into a restaurant.

The Urban Design Award was won by architectural firm Studjurban for a mixed-use development combining residential units and a child-care facility at ground floor level in Mosta. The design exploits the prominent corner location and makes a valiant effort to provide an alternative typology for medium-rise housing projects.

Gnien Laparelli in Valletta was the winning project for the Public Open Spaces Award. Designed by the Grand Harbour Regeneration Corporation (GHRC) in collaboration with the Restoration Directorate, the project successfully resolved the challenge of landscaping the ditch below the entrance to the Capital.  The project managed to achieve the right balance between hard and soft landscaping in a dynamic manner that respects the imposing mass of the fortifications that enclose the ditch.

Perit Christopher Mintoff received a commendation for the design and implementation of the Paola Regeneration Project.

Perit Dr Godwin Cassar won the President’s Award for outstanding achievement for services related to Architecture and Spatial Planning

Architectural firm Bezzina & Cole were named winners of the Commercial Buildings Award for their landmark building project in Hal Far. The Crane Currency (Malta) building has a distinctive circular entrance which extends into a linear form. The printing press/offices goes well beyond strictly functional requirements and produces a distinctive building that stands out from the surrounding factories.

The Interior Architecture Award for Residential Projects was won by architectural firm Forward Architects. The design of the single-family villa in Birguma is a sophisticated one, demonstrating a coherent and sustained philosophy where the attributes of natural light, material tectonics and synergy of various architectural elements are celebrated.

A commendation was awarded to Studio Nomad for the conversion of a small compact residence - House 17 in Triq Hilda Tabone, Birgu.

Perit Kenneth Zammit Endrich and Perit Samuel Cassar were the winners of the Interior Architecture Award for Commercial Projects for the interior design of Vinaccia Restaurant in Rabat. While the project celebrates the authenticity and historical memory of an old building, the architects worked with corten-steel material to create a dynamic synergy between the new and the old fabric.

Two commendations were awarded in this category. Perit Chris Briffa for his eloquent and sophisticated design for the Rolex Boutique in Valletta and Dr Edwin Mintoff for the interventions within the British-period buildings along Dock No. 1 as the American University of Malta.

The Cospicua Social Regeneration Project designed by X,Y,Z Architects and Design was the winner of the  Urban Planning Concept Award. The housing project adopts a sensitive approach to achieving a balance between conservation and rehabilitation objectives and the need to provide an attractive living environment for housing local residents.

Ir-Rotta – The Alternative Grid by Perit Daniel Scerri and ‘A garden in the city’ by Studjurban received a commendation.

The Award for Hospitality Tourism Accommodation and Leisure was won by Forward Architects for the design of Rosselli hotel in Valletta. This project sets an example of design excellence and highlights the creative and sophisticated interior spaces, rehabilitation and re-use of a palatial building in Valletta.

Perit Christopher Mintoff for Holm Hotel and Spa project in St Julians and Mizzi Studio for the design of the Serpentine Coffee House in Hyde Park, London were each given a commendation for their respective projects.

Architectural Firm MODEL won the Sustainability Award for the conversion of a townhouse in Sliema. The architects introduced design features that are intended to maximise natural light, ventilation and harvesting of rainwater.

The Emerging Architects Award was won by architectural firm Atelier Maison for their design of The Sacred auditorium in Blata l-Bajda. The design project is a highly creative and attractive public space which is consistent with a holistic design philosophy.

The President’s Award for outstanding achievement for services related to Architecture and Spatial Planning was won by Perit Dr Godwin Cassar. Dr Cassar was instrumental in the late-1980s and 1990s in pioneering the establishment of the Planning Authority, later to be known as the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA). He spearheaded the formulation of a comprehensive Structure Plan for the Maltese Islands, Local Plans and several urban development and regeneration briefs.