De Montel – Terme Milano

THDP has designed the interiors of De Montel: Terme Milano, the largest urban thermal complex in the city with low CO₂ emissions.

The Scuderie, opening to the public on April 1, 2025, span over 16,000 square meters, including 6,000 square meters of indoor space and 10,000 square meters of courtyards and green areas, entirely dedicated to relaxation and well-being.

The History
Designed in the 1920s by renowned architect Vietti Violi at the request of the noble De Montel banking family and built in just three years, the Scuderie were once one of the city’s Art Nouveau gems. They stood as a hallmark of the San Sirodistrict, then dominated by its grand racetrack, and were among Italy’s most renowned stables, housing thoroughbreds such as Macherio, Ortello, and Orsenigo, as well as regiments of the Royal Cavalry.

From the post-World War II period onward, the site fell into decline, becoming entirely abandoned and overgrown by the 1970s—a forgotten architectural masterpiece, overtaken by nature and disrepair.

After 50 years, this hidden treasure is being revived with a new purpose, open to all citizens.

The Project
The restoration and redevelopment initiative of the Scuderie De Montel—now De Montel: Terme Milano—began over a decade ago with the recovery of the historic thermal water spring at a depth of 396 meters. The project took definitive shape through participation in the international competition “Reinventing Cities,” which recognized the proposal to transform the Scuderie into a state-of-the-art thermal spa.

The conversion of the interiors into thermal spaces has been meticulously executed under the constant supervision of the Superintendence of Archaeology, Fine Arts, and Landscape, ensuring a faithful restoration that fully preserves the building’s original splendor.

The Design Concept
THDP’s design approach is guided by three fundamental pillars:
• The historic elegance of Milanese Art Nouveau, defining the identity of the building as a thermal park.
• The memory of the stables, which once housed racehorses.
• A vision for the future, embodied in the journey of water and the therapeutic properties of the spa.

The interiors thus become a sensory experience where the richness of history blends seamlessly with modern functionality, creating a unique well-being destination.

Design: THDP
Photography: Giorgio Baroni