Villa Bighi, Malta

All projectsVilla Bighi, Malta

A sea of light and colour

Malta

Located on the Mediterranean island of Malta, commanding breath-taking views across the natural harbour of the capital, Valletta, Villa Bighi stands out after dark in a wash of colour and light, its brilliance echoing its storied past.

Set on the edge of the peninsula in the southern coastal village of Kalkara, Villa Bighi is among the finest examples of 17th-century neo-classical architecture in Malta, dominating the majestic panorama of the Grand Harbour of Valletta.

Year

2026

Location

Kalkara, Malta

Product supply

NEXOS & CO. LTD

Originally conceived as a summer residence, the central villa was later transformed and expanded by the British in the early 19th century to become the Royal Naval Hospital Bighi. Its design was remarkably advanced for its time, prioritising public health through careful consideration of sea-air circulation and the use of rounded wall edges to prevent the accumulation of dirt and dust. The Royal Navy vacated the complex in the 1970s. In the years that followed, parts of the former hospital were used intermittently—as a technical school and for various other initiatives—before the site fell into neglect.

A decisive turning point came in 2010, when the Maltese government launched a major regeneration project to transform the site into a National Interactive Science Centre. Today, ESPLORA operates under the auspices of the Malta Council for Science and Technology and has become one of Malta’s leading attractions, as well as one of the largest interactive science centres in Europe.

In its latest chapter, Villa Bighi has been sensitively refurbished and repurposed as a striking event venue. Combining distinguished architecture, historical charm and sweeping harbour views, it has been given a new lease of life—offering an exceptional setting for events within one of Malta’s most history-rich buildings.

The property recently required a new lighting scheme to transform the Villa into a striking event venue after dark. To achieve a uniform wall-wash effect across the building façades, a combination of Capital 600 and Capital 300 luminaires, both in RGBW configuration and fitted with extra-wide optics, was installed on poles or at ground level, where conditions allowed.

The lighting design is completed by 41 microPARADE 24 fixtures with wall wash optics, mounted directly onto the Villa’s walls. All luminaires were supplied with a dedicated anti-saline treatment, in consideration of the site’s close proximity to the sea.

The selected RGB + 4000 K white configuration enables the building to be illuminated in vivid, dynamic colours, such as the pink used to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Day. Alternative colour scenes can be programmed for special events and occasions, while during the week a warm white light is preferred, enhancing the Villa’s neo-classical architecture.

The new lighting scheme enhances the Villa’s architectural character while providing the flexibility required for a wide range of events. By balancing performance, durability, and visual impact, the project ensures the property remains visually compelling both day and night.

Products installed:

14 x CAPITAL 600 RGB+W 4000K with extra wide optics and antisaline treatment

4 x CAPITAL 300 RGB+W 4000K with extra wide optics and antisaline treatment

41 x MICROPARADE 24 RGB+W 4000K with wall wash optics and antisaline treatment

1 x INFRARED REMOTE CONTROL

Credits:

Product supply and installation: NEXOS & CO. LTD