Archi+ recognised at International SHARE Architecture Awards

Selected from more than 250 submissions representing over 35 countries, the projects Olivia and Winnow present a concise yet compelling portrait of contemporary Maltese architecture, one rooted in heritage and memory, the other shaped by environmental performance and site limitations.

Honoured in the Interiors – Residential category, Olivia is a transformation of a historic townhouse in Sliema, originally designed by early 20th-century architect Alberto La Ferla. Archi+ approached the project with restraint, prioritising continuity over visual overhaul. The design is guided by a careful reading of the existing structure, with original proportions, masonry walls and light conditions informing every intervention.

A key principle underpinning the project is reversibility. Rather than permanently altering the building fabric, contemporary functions are introduced through bespoke furniture elements that organise space while remaining clearly distinct from the historic shell. Material decisions reinforce this dialogue between old and new, notably in the reinterpretation of the original marble flooring and a marble entrance feature that references traditional ecclesiastical patterns.

In contrast, Winnow, winner of the Completed Buildings, Single House (Individual Use) category, addresses the challenges of contemporary rural living. Located in Rabat on a site that narrows to just 3.3 metres, the house embraces its linear constraints through a clear organisational spine that structures movement, light and views.

Passive environmental strategies are central to the project. A combination of cross-ventilation, stack effect through a central skylight and controlled solar exposure reduces reliance on mechanical systems. Locally sourced stone provides thermal mass while grounding the building in Malta’s construction traditions.