The art of Maltese roof restoration: Healing a decades-old wound

In traditional Maltese architecture, roofs are far more than just covering structures – they are the backbone of building stability and a symbol of centuries-old craftsmanship. When we had the opportunity to restore a roof that had been exposed to the elements for over 70 years, we knew we were not just working with stone and mortar but also preserving history and tradition.

The Condition Before Restoration

The roof told a story of past storms and neglected repairs. Deeply embedded cracks ran through the limestone blocks, supporting structures had weakened, and uneven settlements threatened to bring the building to its knees. But this is precisely where the real challenge begins – a restoration that not only honors the past but also secures the future.

Deconstruction: A careful deconstruction

A key element of Maltese roof construction is the use of „xorok“ (large limestone slabs) resting on „kileb“ (limestone beams). The first step was to carefully dismantle the damaged sections piece by piece to avoid jeopardizing the remaining stable parts. Maltese Globigerina limestone is a paradoxical material: both resilient and delicate. A blow too hard can cause irreparable damage.

Using traditional chisels, wooden wedges, and a great deal of precision, we removed the damaged stones. Each slab was meticulously numbered—like puzzle pieces from a bygone era, soon to be reassembled in perfect harmony.

The Traditional Technique: Kileb u Kontrakileb

A true masterpiece of Maltese architecture is the „Kileb u Kontrakileb“ system. This method utilizes a combination of cross-laid stone beams (kileb) supported by smaller stones, known as kontrakileb. This building technique has been known to master builders for centuries and was used to span large spaces without additional supports. It provides high load-bearing capacity without compromising aesthetics or structural integrity. Particularly in historic buildings, this method is essential to maintain stability and authenticity.

Stabilizing the Structure

Decades of exposure to the elements had weakened many of the original kileb. Some had to be replaced, while others needed reinforcement—an operation requiring absolute precision. We used a traditional lime mortar made from locally sourced limestone and sand, ensuring that the new material seamlessly blended with the existing structure while maintaining natural breathability.

Modern, invisible reinforcement techniques, such as stainless steel anchors, were added—an unseen safeguard preserving the original appearance while providing additional security.

Restoring the Roof

Once stabilization was complete, the actual reconstruction began. The previously numbered xorok were carefully repositioned, with each element precisely adjusted to restore the original load distribution. A final layer of traditional lime-sand mix ensured that the roof was water-resistant yet breathable—an essential feature in Malta’s climate.

To further enhance resistance to moisture, an additional layer of „deffun“—a mixture of lime, pozzolan sand, and crushed ceramic powder—was applied. This technique, used for centuries, remains a proven method for protecting historic buildings from the forces of nature.

A Legacy for the Future

This restoration was not merely a construction project—it was a journey into the past to safeguard the future. With every carefully placed stone slab and every meticulously applied layer of mortar, we revived a piece of Maltese architectural history.

This project has once again reminded us of the importance of blending traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques. By doing so, we ensure that these remarkable structures not only carry the memories of past generations but also endure for many years to come.

A piece of Malta has been preserved—along with its history, its beauty, and its unique architectural heritage.