Sea and Land

Feb 1, 2022|Project Spotlight|Amelia Rose Zimlich

Amelia Rose Zimlich
Feb 1, 2022

Rendering of Mareterra; courtesy of Archi Graphi

Maspero Elevatori provides VT for Mareterra

Andrea Maspero, managing director of Maspero Elevatori

Prince Albert II has a vision that Mareterra, an extension of Monaco, will “embody the excellence and conviviality which distinguish the Principality of Monaco so well.”^[1] In a heavily pedestrian area with many tall buildings, vertical-transportation (VT) is an essential part of bringing that vision to life. Italy’s Maspero Elevatori believes that working with trusted partners, such as the Principality of Monaco, ensures a high standard of quality and luxury.

After providing six custom lifts for the principality for the redevelopment of Larvotto Beach (ELEVATOR WORLD Europe, September-October 2021), Maspero Elevatori is now working on a EUR3.8-million (US$4.4-million) order for 24 vertical lifts for the Mareterra project. The company was chosen by the contractor overseeing the entire project, SAM L’Anse Du Portier.

The name “Mareterra” combines two elements that lie at the heart of the project: the sea and the land.

Maspero will be providing 24 machine-room-less models from its Koala line, which was patented in 1999.^[2]The capacity of the elevators varies from 450 kg to 1000 kg for those of luxury apartment buildings, and up to 1600 kg for the two panoramic systems for public use of the Periscope, the metal-and-glass structure that will connect the Le Petit Portier marina to the Place Princesse Gabriella in the center of the Upper Promenade. Some of the lifts in the apartment complex will also be made of crystal, reflecting the opulence of the project and offering a stunning view of the surrounding bay. Depending on the project, the engine block can be located in different positions that best suit the project’s needs. These elevators are set to be installed by the end of 2024.

Sea and Land 2 — A Koala elevator similar to the ones to be installed in the Mareterra project.

The Koala model is well suited for the specific climate of Mareterra. Andrea Maspero, managing director of Maspero Elevatori, says, stating:

“The plants, designed and built specifically for Mareterra, will be highly resistant to the saline environment and to the wind. Constant dialogue between all the parties involved will be fundamental for the correct management of the various phases, for the logistics and for the really reduced intervention spaces.”

The name “Mareterra” combines two elements that lie at the heart of the project: the sea and the land. The project is being designed by the Renzo Piano Building Workshop (RPBW), which also worked on the Larvotto Beach project, and built by Valode & Pistre Architectes and Michel Desvigne Paysagiste. Denis Valode, founder and partner of Valode & Pistre Architectes, says, “The master plan has to embrace different topographies, distinct characters and multiple uses, while totally respecting the marine environment.”^[3]

Spanning the area from Port Hercule to Larvotto Beach, Mareterra will comprise a lush park, an elegant promenade overlooking the sea, a small harbor, an artificial swimming pool, a complex of luxury apartments, a residential area composed of villas surrounded by large green areas, as well as spaces open to the public, with large pedestrian and cycle paths.

Sea and Land 3 — Rendering of Mareterra; courtesy of Archi Graphi

The “transformational project for Monaco” encompasses 152,000 ft² of land and will focus on sustainability. Conservation efforts include construction of artificial reefs to promote the growth of the sea coast, smart electricity, water meter and lighting technology, 9,000 m² of solar panels, the reuse of 50% of rainwater, an electric shuttle between Larvotto Beach and Mareterra, and recycling.^[4]In addition, the project is being developed in accordance with BREEAM, HQE Amenagement, Espace Vert Ecologique EVE, BiodiverCity and Port Propre certification guidelines.

Maspero expected to begin the work for Mareterra at the end of 2021. Completion of the entire project is expected to occur in 2024.

Maspero says of the lift order:

“Our involvement in such an ambitious project makes us proud as it confirms our expertise in blending technology and design in a highly reliable and aesthetically beautiful product. We are pleased to be part of such a great team of professionals, to collaborate with great architects, engineers and builders, landscape and marine biology experts in developing an architecturally extraordinary project, [which is] very sophisticated and futuristic from a technical point of view.”