Introducing the Mareterra Project, this eye-catching urban development on Monaco’s coastline is absolutely remarkable. It’s a floating eco-district that just wrapped up this month, creating a new global standard. Built entirely on reclaimed land from the sea, this project adds six hectares of territory where environmental care meets architectural elegance in a wonderful way.
“I wanted this new area to embody the excellence and conviviality that distinguish the Principality of Monaco so well,” shared HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco. “Mareterra will fit seamlessly with our shoreline, and in a few years will be regarded as a natural extension of our territory.”
Designer: Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), Valode et Pistre Architectes, and Michel Desvigne
The urban project has been developed by Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), Valode et Pistre Architects, and landscape architect Michel Desvigne. The whole district emphasizes public accessibility. It features the Le Renzo residential complex, a marina, public parks, and various commercial spaces. Parks and leisure areas take up most of the space, making Mareterra yet another innovative and useful addition to this public-focused district.
One of the standout aspects of Mareterra is how it’s constructed on water. This ambitious endeavor extends Monaco’s coast using underwater caissons—big concrete structures—that not only create new land but also serve as marine habitats to boost biodiversity. Collaborating with marine biologists, this engineering strategy aims to lessen ecological disruption. Proactive efforts have been made to move and keep track of native species like Posidonia seagrass and red coral. Additionally, anti-turbidity screens have been added to safeguard the nearby marine reserves, helping maintain the surrounding ocean environment.
The project features systems that are energy-efficient, aligning with Monaco’s aim for carbon neutrality by 2025. Solar panels supply 40% of the district’s energy requirements, whilst a seawater thalasso-thermal loop helps with heating and cooling, which drastically reduces overall energy usage. Rainwater is gathered for irrigation, and green roofs, plus over 1,000 trees, play an essential role in lowering urban heat. Moreover, a 1-hectare (2.47-acre) pine forest has been planted to provide residents with ecological and recreational benefits.
Mareterra is also designed to enhance Monaco’s cultural framework. Approximately 6,000 square meters are dedicated to exhibition areas for cultural events. It includes restored artworks like Alexander Calder’s “Quatre Lances” in Princess Gabriella Square and a “Meditation Space” designed by Tia-Thủy Nguyễn. A pedestrian promenade connects various parts of the district while providing tranquil views of the sea. Various residential, commercial, and recreational zones have been interlinked and connected.
