The Mareterra project, previously known as Anse du Portier, or Portier Cove, represents a stunning transformation of Monaco’s coastline, extending over 60,000 square metres into the shimmering Mediterranean waters. This innovative project employs state-of-the-art methods for environmental sustainability in addition to satisfying the Principality’s increasing need for high-end housing alternatives.
As it prepares to welcome its first residents, Mareterra is poised to redefine the very essence of urban life in Monaco, harmonising luxury with nature and setting a new standard for how cities can evolve in an environmentally conscious manner.
Monaco has a long history of expanding its reach into the waters of the Mediterranean, and reclaiming land from the sea is by no means a recent development. The Principality has steadily expanded its territory since the 1950s, and these bold attempts have already created around 20 per cent of its landmass.
Mareterra, however, is one of the most audacious initiatives to date. This new area will add almost 3 per cent to Monaco’s size through a succession of massive and intricate infrastructures across 6 hectares. This will be a major milestone in the Principality’s continuous efforts to combine luxurious living with creative land development.
Mareterra, which was launched in 2015, is the most ambitious and costly real estate project in Europe, with an astounding expenditure of some 2 billion euros. The majority of this enormous investment came from private sponsors who were enticed by the innovative opportunities this new location presents.
The project was of course, not without its challenges, especially with the task of building on the sea. However, every step of the construction process was carefully thought out to reduce disturbance to the local population and to save the fragile coastal environment. For example, the impact on the neighbourhood was much reduced since the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of building materials were transported to the site by ship.
With five exquisite luxury buildings comprising 114 units that perfectly exemplify elegance and grace, Mareterra is poised to become a bustling new neighbourhood. Together with these magnificent buildings, the complex also has a number of outstanding private villas, all of which are intended to provide unmatched luxury and elegance.
The centre of this ambitious project is a busy commercial plaza that is expected to be a hub of activity and social interaction, as well as a port that offers residents and tourists direct access to the Mediterranean.
A beautifully landscaped public park that provides a tranquil haven in the middle of the city perfectly complements these features. The goal of these carefully designed buildings is to meet the growing demand for upscale real estate in Monaco, where every square metre is highly coveted and space is at a premium.
| A COLOSSAL UNDERTAKING
At the heart of the Mareterra project stands its flagship building, “Le Renzo“, a stunning creation by the renowned architect Renzo Piano. This remarkable structure captivates the eye with its unique architectural form, reminiscent of a ship gracefully navigating the sea. Stretching an impressive 126 metres in length and soaring to 71 metres high across 17 stories, “Le Renzo“ houses 47 opulent apartments, including an extraordinary quadruplex penthouse that redefines luxury living.
The floor-through apartments at “Le Renzo” are genuinely remarkable, with stunning dual views of the busy town and the sea. Each residence is opulent, with the smallest unit exceeding an impressive 372 square metres. Residents will enjoy a sense of exclusivity and privacy because there are only two apartments per level; nevertheless, some buyers have chosen to acquire neighbouring units, which allows for the development of even bigger, custom-tailored living areas.
“Le Renzo” provides a number of highly sought-after facilities that are common to the best buildings in the most prominent cities in the world. Modern fitness facilities and a tastefully decorated wine room are available to residents, adding to the opulent lifestyle this outstanding property offers. Additionally, homeowners can acquire the supplementary flats on the lower levels, giving them a variety of possibilities. These extra rooms can be used as a nanny’s or servant’s quarters or as a peaceful, independent home office, which enhance the luxurious living experience at “Le Renzo.”
Piano’s namesake building is not merely a stunning architectural feat; it also features an extraordinary amenity that significantly enhances the appeal of the neighbourhood: a magnificent saltwater swimming pool measuring 20 by 16 metres, named in honour of Princess Charlene, Prince Albert’s wife and a former champion swimmer. This exclusive venue is accessible only to the residents of “Le Renzo“, while other Mareterra apartment dwellers can only admire its beauty from a distance, perhaps with a hint of envy!
In addition to being a magnificent architectural achievement, Piano’s namesake building has an exceptional feature that greatly raises the neighborhood’s appeal: a magnificent 20 by 16-metre saltwater pool named in honour of Princess Charlene, the wife of Prince Albert and a former swimming champion. Only residents of “Le Renzo” have access to this unique location; other Mareterra apartment occupants may only gaze at its splendour from afar, perhaps with a hint of envy!
Beyond its visual appeal, the pool’s remarkable design, which flows smoothly into the water, has another function. It acts as a protective barrier for the harbour, providing better wave mitigation than a conventional seawall, according to Michel Desvigne, the project’s landscape designer. This creative solution not only improves the nearby marina’s safety but also exemplifies the Mareterra project’s careful blending of luxury and practicality. In this sense, the pool embodies the elegance and sustainability that characterise this remarkable structure, serving as a representation of affluent life as well as a workable answer to environmental problems.
The ethereal nature of “Le Renzo,” which appears to float above the ground and offers residents breath-taking panoramic vistas of the Mediterranean and the mesmerising sunsets that colour the sky, is one of its most outstanding qualities. “Le Renzo” epitomises contemporary living in every way, skilfully fusing architectural innovation with the surrounding natural beauty.
Prominent architects like Sir Norman Foster, Stefano Boeri, and Tadao Ando are among those who have contributed to the ensemble of villas. Each of these architects has brought their distinct vision and experience to this elite group of 10 outstanding properties. Notably, Tadao Ando created a stunning pair of villas that blend in well with one another, tucked away in the development’s charming southwest corner.
This careful placement not only improves the collection’s visual appeal but also shows a profound regard for the local environment, demonstrating how creative design can coexist peacefully with the natural world. The unique styles of each architect contribute to the collection’s overall character, resulting in a varied yet unified tapestry of opulent living that exemplifies the pinnacles of architectural brilliance.
| ECO-FRIENDLY DESIGN AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
Mareterra is a ground-breaking project in the field of sustainable development in addition to being a marvel of architecture. This location has been carefully designed to limit its environmental impact. Utilising the sun’s energy to power the community, the district displays an array of 9,000 square metres of solar panels fitted into its buildings and public areas. Furthermore, cutting-edge heat pump systems that use saltwater to effectively heat in the winter and cool in the summer are prime examples of creative climate control solutions.
In an effort to foster biodiversity, Mareterra is planting 800 trees as part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability. In order to facilitate the shift to greener modes of transportation, the construction also has 600 meters of bike lanes and electric car charging stations.
The Principality of Monaco and H.S.H. Prince Albert II personally support the ultimate goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050, which includes all of these activities. The aim is to make Mareterra the first eco-district in Monaco, where ecological responsibility and luxury coexist harmoniously. By establishing artificial reefs, the initiative also seeks to increase local biodiversity, which is essential for maintaining and nourishing the nearby marine ecosystems. Mareterra not only reimagines urban life but also establishes a standard for environmentally friendly modern development.
| A CANVAS OF ART AND CULTURE
Mareterra is intended to be a seamless continuation of Monaco’s dynamic, urban environment, establishing links with important cultural sites like the Japanese Garden and the Grimaldi Forum. This creative project has improved the coastal experience for both locals and tourists by introducing a stunning coastal promenade that expands on the Larvotto Beach boardwalk, forming a welcoming 1.5-kilometre walkway that stretches all the way to Port Hercule.
Art plays a pivotal role in the Mareterra initiative. A remarkable sculpture by Alexander Calder, purchased in 1966 by Prince Rainier III and Princess Grace, is prominently displayed in a courtyard designed by Renzo Piano. This carefully planned space features comfortable benches and a variety of other public art installations, transforming Mareterra into a vibrant hub where art, architecture, and nature converge, inviting all to gather, reflect, and appreciate the beauty that surrounds them.
| REDEFINING MONACO: A NEW ICON
Mareterra is much more than just a straightforward urban growth; it marks a turning point in the Principality’s remarkable history and is evidence of Monaco’s everlasting commitment to sustainable luxury. With a concept that puts ecological responsibility first, this extraordinary district is set to draw an elite worldwide audience. Through its cutting-edge architecture, abundant green spaces, and commitment to sustainability, Mareterra is setting a new benchmark for luxury real estate across the world.
And here, we conclude with the following words from H.S.H Prince Albert II : “I wanted this new area to embody the excellence and conviviality which distinguish the Principality of Monaco so well. Mareterra will integrate perfectly with our shoreline, and in a few years will be seen as a natural extension of our territory.”
