Valentino Architects recognised at the 2026 Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia awards

The Hospitality Design Award was presented to Stilla San Mikiel, the second completed guesthouse within Stilla, an albergo diffuso concept distributed across Malta's Three Cities. Located in Senglea, overlooking the historic dockyard and Grand Harbour, the project transforms an existing corner townhouse into a six-suite guesthouse, retaining the building's original character while introducing contemporary interventions that respond to its industrial surroundings and waterfront setting.

A defining feature of the project is the new rooftop extension, which establishes a dialogue with the horizontal forms of neighbouring buildings while opening panoramic views across the harbour. The careful integration of existing architectural features with contemporary materials and detailing reflects the studio's approach to adaptive reuse.

St John the Baptist Street House, a finalist in the Single Dwelling Design category, combines the restoration of a traditional Sliema townhouse with a contemporary rear extension, contrasting tradition and novelty and opening the house towards a private garden.

Jointly organised by the Kamra tal-Periti and the Planning Authority, the fifth edition of the Premju Emanuele Luigi Galizia Awards celebrates excellence in Malta's built environment, recognising architectural quality, technical expertise and sensitivity to context.

Following the practice's success at the 2025 edition, which included two category awards and the President's Award, this year's recognition reaffirms Valentino Architects' continued commitment to architecture that balances contemporary intervention with respect for the existing built fabric.

Awards photo credits: Jean Marc Zerafa for Kamra tal-Periti