The beauty of marble merges with the exceptional performance of Dekton in this spa that engages with history

The renovation of this unique spa has been carried out by THDP, respecting the original architecture of this historic building. Dekton features throughout the facilities in various applications, providing continuity, functionality, and engaging with noble materials.

The Scuderie De Montel were originally stables for racehorses, linked to the nearby San Siro racetrack in Milan. Their extraordinary Art Nouveau profile was erected in the early 1920s at the request of the aristocrat Giuseppe De Montel, but just a few years later, in 1938, the space was abandoned as Mussolini's anti-Semitic laws stripped its owner of the property.

The estate remained in ruins for decades, but today it is experiencing an extraordinary revival thanks to its transformation into the largest thermal park in Italy and one of the largest in Europe. Spanning over 16,000 square metres, the complex features ten pools fed by thermal water discovered in the area in 2007, as well as several saunas, hammam areas, and wellness spaces.

The THDP studio, in charge of the renovation, respected the original architecture in friezes and façades, preserving unique old materials such as Grenoble mortar.

This exterior restoration has been combined with a modern and sophisticated interior structure: “The most fascinating aspect of this project is the dialogue between memory and innovation, between the glorious past of the Scuderie de Montel and its new purpose as a contemporary urban spa. We worked on a building of great historical and symbolic value, restoring its identity through careful philological rehabilitation while designing interiors capable of meeting the needs of modern wellness,” explain the studio.

“On a decorative level, we reinterpreted the soul of the old stables and the Milanese Art Nouveau style by integrating elements inspired by the equestrian world, such as stirrups and bridles, as well as evocative materials like leather, patinated iron, stained glass, and natural surfaces. The sinuous geometries and handcrafted details evoke the aesthetics of the early 20th century, while the spatial composition guides visitors on a sensory and experiential journey culminating in the encounter with thermal water,” the team continues.

The result is a project that transforms architectural narrative into an immersive experience. According to the team, each space, from the reception to the relaxation rooms, is conceived as a narrative stage where design, materials, and light work together to create an enveloping, elegant yet accessible atmosphere, closely connected to Milan's urban and cultural context.

In this setting, Dekton is used in various applications: for wall cladding and bathroom worktops, benches in common areas, and even the reception desk.

“We chose Dekton by Cosentino because we needed to combine technical durability, material beauty, and coherence with the design concept. For De Montel - Terme Milano, we selected the Marmorio collection, which evokes the texture and timeless elegance of travertine as a tribute to the ancient Roman baths. This choice allowed us to introduce a visual language that celebrates the Italian thermal tradition while offering the performance and sustainability of a contemporary material,” explain THDP.

For the studio, it was essential that the material met the strict criteria of durability, safety, and aesthetics required in public environments of this kind. “Dekton proved to be the perfect choice thanks to its resistance to water, heat, humidity, and chemicals, as well as its ease of maintenance. These are essential features in high-traffic environments such as spas, changing rooms, and dining areas,” reflect its creators.

Beyond its properties, what ultimately led them to choose the surface was its versatility, which allowed them to shape it as desired. They incorporated organic curves into the vanity units and the restaurant's buffet area, and even created applications where Dekton was cut into thin strips to achieve the desired shapes.

This experience demonstrated to THDP the customisation possibilities of Dekton, something they found particularly accessible thanks to the fruitful relationship developed with the Cosentino team: “They supported us at every stage, from the initial material selection to installation. In such a complex and large-scale project, where every detail was custom-designed, having a competent technical partner was essential to turning our design vision into reality.”

And they conclude: “The De Montel - Terme Milano project was born with a long-term vision: to create a durable, sustainable space that deeply respects its historical and landscape context. Throughout this journey, Cosentino proved to be a solid and reliable partner, capable of providing materials that combine high technical performance with a refined and thoughtful aesthetic, never predictable, perfectly aligned with the design sensitivity required for a project of this nature.”