stone screen shields renovated 18th-century palazzino gardens in malta by AP valletta

AP Valletta renovates 18th-century palazzino in malta

Maltese studio AP Valletta refurbishes and extends an 18th-century palazzino in Naxxar, Malta, introducing a crafted stone screen to balance privacy, light, and the historic character of the site. Located just outside Naxxar’s Urban Conservation Area, the house is surrounded by high-rise developments that overshadow its low-rise structure and garden. The intervention addresses these challenges with a privacy-focused design that integrates with the existing architecture, using franka, a Maltese softstone, and traditional construction techniques. The project reconfigures the main residence to improve its connection to the gardens while converting an adjacent loggia into the primary living space and a secondary garden room into a guest studio.

all images by Julian Vassallo, courtesy of AP Valletta

stone privacy screen shields the garden of Naxxar House

A defining feature of the renovation by the architects at AP Valletta is the fixed stone privacy screen, designed to shield the garden and terrace from neighboring developments. Sculpted with undulating fins that vary in angle and spacing, the screen filters natural light. Over time, the material will develop a patina that enhances its integration with the historic facade. 

The loggia, originally a farm structure, is transformed into the central living area of the house, connecting with the outdoor dining space, seating area, and the newly added pool. Framed by old stone walls and Mediterranean fruit trees, the multi-tiered pool garden combines horizontal and vertical stone planes that appear to emerge organically from the landscape. This design language harmonizes the privacy screen with the reimagined form of the garden. Sustainability is also a key element of the project, with a green roof planted with native Mediterranean species.

AP Valletta refurbishes and extends an 18th-century palazzino in Malta

introducing a crafted stone screen to balance privacy, light, and the historic character of the site

the house is surrounded by high-rise developments that overshadow its low-rise structure and garden

the intervention addresses challenges with a privacy-focused design

the project reconfigures the main residence to improve its connection to the gardens