HOMEWORKS It is important to establish the client/architect relationship at the outset, as few clients realise that the role of their architect can take various forms. At its most rudimentary level, an architect can present basic structural alteration plans, see that they obtain MEPA approval and visit the building site occasionally to see that the actual building proceeds according to plan. Be aware that this limited scope does not provide for the planning of drainage, plumbing and electricity services, let alone respecting the historic, aesthetic as well as the practical aspects of the conversion.
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It is really important to assess the severity of any humidity problem prior to purchasing a property, as the absence of a damp proof course in old buildings is a major cause of rising damp. However, other contributing factors could range from the wrong paint having been used on the exterior, to the presence of a well full of water. If you see patches of advanced deterioration such as badly crumbling walls, always seek expert advice before committing yourself. Consulting experts in different fields is key to a successful conversion. It is important to engage a specialised team. It would even be worthwhile to first visit as many conversion projects as possible in order to get a clear idea of what you want.
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1: The oldest part of the house will invariably have the roughest-cut stones and thickest walls. 2: Ceilings supported by stone arches and kileb are highly sought-after features in old houses. 3: Restoration often reveals unexpected surprises of filled-in recesses and apertures. 4: A re-styled Gothic door, a pregnant window ...all add to Mdina’s hidden charms.
The choice of builder should be indicated by, or in conjunction with, the architect. Ask him if you can see a portfolio in order to get an idea of his finish. Shortcomings to look out for would be vertical joints laid above each other, overuse of chipped blocks or off-cuts (filsa or gonot) or poorly shaped voussoirs (samrotti, the curved blocks which form an arch). Carm Spiteri, an Interior Designer who has worked on many old houses, recalls coming across builders who preferred to work on old houses thinking that the irregular walls would mask their rushed or slipshod work. A good builder can greatly contribute to
the project and is worth waiting for. Each house is obviously unique and the first rule for a successful conversion is respect for the original building as regards to appearance, structure and even microclimate. One of the best ways to tackle it is to really get the feel of the building before any decisions are taken, and this is done most effectively by recording every aspect of the building. Although it is not possible to give a precise date to different building techniques, the oldest part of the house will invariably have the roughest-cut stones and thickest walls, often thicker at the bottom as the soil infill between each block would have percolated downwards over the years. The low ceilings of very old houses would be supported by arches spanned by slabs or xorok, or by long xorok resting on kileb (slab supports), while ceilings on the first floor might be supported by a wooden beam. By the 19th century, the use of iron beams was widespread on both ground and upper floors. At this stage soil had also been replaced by lime (gir) as a cementing agent in between blocks. This examination of the stonework can sometimes lead to pleasant surprises, like the discovery of apertures that were closed up in the past. It might also serve to identify later additions, which were not always sensitive to the original structure and might therefore warrant dismantling. Additions should never be demolished without careful consideration, as it is this chronology of the multi-layering (additional construction) of a building that enriches it with a wealth of archaeological layers. Joanna Spiteri Staines makes a very apt point: “Imagine the Ponte Vecchio in Florence stripped bare of its rows of quaint jewellery shops which were added much later than the original bridge.” HW
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