Heritage Malta has reached the final stages of restoring one of the island’s rarest architectural structures - a small but striking octagonal building located at the entrance of its headquarters in Bighi.

Originally constructed in 1898 as part of the British Naval Hospital, the structure served as a ‘smoking shed,’ offering hospital staff and patients a dedicated space away from the wards.

Built from traditional globigerina limestone, the building stands out not only for its unusual octagonal design but also for its innovative engineering. It featured a passive ventilation system far ahead of its time. Large openings and louvres allowed fresh air to circulate, while warm air and smoke naturally rose and exited through a central grille and upper lantern. This clever design created a sustainable airflow system without mechanical intervention.

The structure also reflects the cautious approach of British engineers unfamiliar with Maltese limestone. To reinforce the building, they incorporated iron beams within the lintels and used bronze staples to secure the cornice - techniques that highlight both ingenuity and adaptation.

After suffering years of deterioration, particularly in its upper sections, the building underwent preventive interventions in 2015. Full restoration began in 2024, involving meticulous dismantling, treatment, and reconstruction using original methods and historical plans.

This restoration forms part of a wider regeneration project aimed at preserving the historic naval hospital while creating a functional and inspiring workspace for Heritage Malta’s operations.