This project involved the total rehabilitation of a dilapidated property in Valletta for which our office was responsible for the architectural and structural designs, and supervision of the execution. The property has four storeys, partially overlying third parties at ground floor. To convert the building to office use minor internal alterations were needed besides the insertion of a panoramic lift within the central courtyard, an extension to create a receded fifth floor, and extensive restoration of the facades, front, rear, and interior. The fifth floor extension was possible because the overall height of the building at the rear was reduced so that the part floor remained within the ‘original’ height envelope.

During the work a basement level, completely backfilled with debris, was discovered. Obviously, the decision was to include this volume within the overall scope of the project; the backfill material was cleared and the central lift was extended to provide access. As the works proceeded it became clear that the building had undergone many interventions during its lifetime, some likely related to damage suffered during World War II. The various features, dating from different periods, have been preserved and integrated into the final concept.