The Planning Authority has recently given protection status to the Administration Building of the former milk factory in Xewkija, Gozo– as a scheduled Grade 2 building, including a buffer zone. The 1950s modernist building, designed by the renowned Maltese Architect Joseph Huntingford (1926-1994), is located in Triq l-Imgarr and Triq il-Pitkali in Xewkija, Gozo. The building itself is made of exceptional architectural elements, all mirroring the Modernist Movement.

In the 1950s and early 1960s, Huntingtford was the architect engaged by the government for the design and construction of some of its most important buildings in Gozo, such as the milk factory in Xewkija and also governmental schools, for instance the Qala Primary School, which is said to be one of the finest modern architecture examples on the island.

Huntingford’s architectural design follows an international trend of the times, which is known as Modernist. The approach used is characterised by a streamline design, devoid of any ornamentation, using cantilevered canopies and window hoods only possible by the use of concrete whilst keeping within classical architectural rules such as proportion, rhythm, balance, symmetry, purity of lines, juxtaposing solids and voids ratios, play of light and shade. 

Moreover, Huntingford’s hallmark is his capability of inserting local characteristics in the design of his Modernist buildings. In the Administration Building of the milk factory, he uses a concave facade, inspired by the curved megalithic temples facades of the Maltese Islands, the pseudo rubble wall effect motif on the facade, as well as the use of ‘vernacular’ or most commonly found simple materials, such as the concrete brick common at the time, in creating the brise soleil corridors which shelter users from the elements and filter natural light.

In a statement, The Kamra tal-Periti welcomed with satisfaction the scheduling at Grade 2 level of the old Gozo MMU Milk Plant, which was designed by renowned architect Joseph Huntingford, and which includes a number of unique architectural elements inspired by the Modernist Movement.

In November 2016, the Kamra tal-Periti had drawn attention to this building which lies within the Xewkija Enterprise Hub, which area was undergoing a change in planning policy. The Kamra tal-Periti had called upon the Planning Authority to safeguard this building of significant architectural quality, particularly in view of the recent destruction of the administration block of the ex-Dowty factory in Mrieħel, which building was also designed in the Modernist Style and which was demolished following approval of such demolition by the Planning Authority.

The Kamra tal-Periti urged the Planning Authority to carry out a study of our industrial areas, which include a number of buildings in the same architectural style, and which merit protection and rehabilitation.