Tall & Urban News

Completed in December, Mareterra sets a new global benchmark for sustainable urban development in Monaco. Sitting along the coastline, the €2 billion project adds six hectares of reclaimed land to the principality, seamlessly integrating environmental innovation with architectural finesse. Designed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop, Valode et Pistre Architectes, and Michel Desvigne, the eco-district features the Le Renzo residential complex, public parks, a marina, and commercial spaces, with half the area dedicated to leisure and greenery.

The construction employs underwater caissons that not only expand the coastline but also support marine habitats, developed in collaboration with marine biologists to protect biodiversity. Sustainability is central, with solar panels supplying 40 percent of energy, a seawater thalasso-thermal loop for heating and cooling, and extensive use of rainwater harvesting and green roofs. Notable achievements include relocating native species, installing anti-turbidity screens, and planting over 1,000 trees, including a 1-hectare pine forest.

Mareterra boasts multiple certifications, such as BREEAM "Excellent" and HQE Aménagement, reinforcing its eco-conscious vision. The expanded Grimaldi Forum adds significant cultural infrastructure, while restored artworks and pedestrian promenades, including The Blue Grotto marine viewing area, enhance the district’s appeal.

The collaboration of 300 companies from 40 nations demonstrates Mareterra’s global significance, serving as a visionary model for sustainable coastal cities.

Learn more about this story at New Atlas.