In Milan, within one of the city’s most fascinating historic sites, Myrtha Pools designed and built the aquatic areas of a redevelopment that brings together architectural heritage, innovation and a contemporary culture of wellbeing.
Terme De Montel was created through the regeneration of the former Liberty-style stables commissioned in the 1920s by entrepreneur Giuseppe De Montel. After decades of abandonment, the site has been transformed into an urban thermal park through an integrated restoration approach combining sustainability, design and advanced technical solutions.
A key turning point in the redevelopment was the reopening of a 396-metre-deep pressurised artesian well, which revealed a thermal spring with dermatological and regenerative properties recognised by the Italian Ministry of Health. From this discovery, a complex of 10 thermal pools took shape: eight outdoor and two indoor pools, all designed and built by Myrtha Pools.
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The result is a series of indoor and outdoor thermal pools that combine precise technical integration with a refined, understated design language, in dialogue with the Liberty-style architecture and the interiors by THDP Studio. Each pool has been conceived as a dedicated environment, offering different sensory and functional experiences through Myrtha’s modular technology and a range of carefully integrated design solutions. These include Touch membrane finishes with a sand-effect texture, hidden overflow systems and RenovAction solutions, particularly suited to complex historical settings.
Among the most distinctive pools is l’Eclisse, a panoramic infinity pool measuring over 23 metres, with an overflow edge overlooking the park. Hydromassage benches and loungers, fountains and neck jets turn the pool into a panoramic wellness experience. To help retain the water temperature, maintained at 34°C, the pool is covered at night with an isothermal cover, supporting the wider focus on energy efficiency.
Sospensione is a hypersaline pool with water at 38°C, designed to purify the skin and create a sensation of “zero gravity” floating. It also features an underwater sound system for immersive sessions and watsu treatments. La Leggerezza, by contrast, is a hydromassage pathway dedicated to the back and lower limbs, with stainless-steel loungers and circular geysers.
Inside the elegant structure, Myrtha Pools installed two sensory pools shaped by water effects, aromas and lighting: la Pioggia and il Velo d’Acqua. Both feature a cascading overflow edge and a full-length water curtain that can also be used for projections. La Pioggia is defined by its rain effect, creating a relaxing, natural atmosphere, while il Velo d’Acqua includes two water blades designed for back and facial massage.
After a sauna session, guests can use two pools dedicated to vascular stimulation and body toning: il Freddo and il Refrigerio. Both are characterised by low-temperature water at 22°C, with il Refrigerio also suitable for free swimming.
Finally, la Sorgente welcomes guests with two symmetrical outdoor pools featuring chaise longues and hydromassage jets, framed by the elegance of the historic courtyard. Following the line of the building, these two pools enhance the space with minimalist design and atmospheric lighting after dark.
This attention to performance extends beyond the pools themselves. Terme De Montel is also a strong example of sustainability applied to thermal architecture. In addition to the use of efficient materials and technologies, the facility integrates solar panels for renewable energy production, rainwater reuse systems and the planting of more than 3,500 trees as part of its environmental compensation measures.
“Working within such a prestigious and sensitive historical context required technical and design solutions of the highest standard” said Roberto Colletto, CEO of Myrtha Pools. “We brought our experience to the project to create pools that blend naturally with the Liberty-style architecture, while also meeting contemporary expectations in terms of wellbeing, durability and sustainability”.
With more than 16,000 square metres of indoor and outdoor spaces, Terme De Montel represents a new expression of urban wellbeing in Milan: a place where technology, water and architectural heritage come together to restore a timeless sense of calm to the city.
