Palazzo Spinola annexe wins DLĦ architectural heritage award

The Lombard Bank annexe to Palazzo Spinola in Valletta recently won the Silver Medal for all categories in the sixth edition of Din L-Art Ħelwa’s Award Scheme for Architectural Heritage.

The initiative, set up to encourage architectural excellence and the rehabilitation of old buildings, recognises the dedicated work of professionals active in the field of restoration.

The rehabilitation of the annexe, by Paul Camilleri and Associates, also received the Prix d’Honneur in the category for the conservation and re-use of old buildings.

Both awards were awarded for the restoration of the open loggia, portico and barrel-vaulted en-trance, incorporating older traditional features with more modern steel and glass elements.

Moreover, a special diploma was awarded in the same category to the former 19th century P&O Shipping verandah and boathouse, converted into La Vecchia Dogana restaurant by architect Karl Camilleri Burló. The Victoria Gate project, by architect Claude Borg, consisting of the re-interpretation of the footbridge and the widening and repaving of the street leading up to the gate, was awarded the Prix d’Honneur for restoration and conservation.

Martin Scicluna, vice-president of Din L-Art Ħelwa, lauded all other participants, saying the submissions this year were all found to be of exceptionally high standard and have contributed greatly to the preservation of Malta’s architectural legacy.

He also praised the conversion of Palazzo de Piro in Mdina, the restoration and conservation of the St Anthony’s chapel at Fort Manoel and the façade of the Oratory of the Blessed Sacrament in Żejtun.

The Din l-Art Ħelwa Architectural Award Scheme is carried out with the support of the Chamber of Architects

Members of this year’s judging panel were Conrad Thake representing the Chamber of Architects, art historian Keith Sciberras and Maria Grazia Cassar, council member of Din l-Art Ħelwa.