MERLATA BLOOM

The design of this new shopping mall was based on the interviews conducted with Cascina Merlata residents and city users from the neighbouring districts, during which they were asked to express their needs and desires. The mall, extending over a heated surface of 90.000 sqm, connects the new neighbourhood of Cascina Merlata to the Mind/Expo district, and aspires to become the archetype of a living place, of experience, of daily social interaction and conviviality.

The project adopts the highest standards of modern urban planning, fully respecting the environment and the surrounding landscape. It is a tribute to sustainability and biodiversity. Every aspect of Merlata Bloom Milano was carefully planned to make the best use of energy sources, but also to minimise its impact on the environment while optimising the production of solar energy.

Merlata Bloom in numbers: a shopping center of 70.000 sqm, an additional 20.000 sqm Sky garden and 10.000 sqm dedicated to entertainment (cinemas) culture; 150 shops, 5 areas dedicated to Food & Beverage. The jewel in the crown being the “Winter Garden”, a bioclimatic conservatory which, thanks to a passive solar installation, ensures internal comfort without having to depend on any kind of climate-control system.

Rethink Energy designed a heating/cooling system based on a condensation ring that allows for the thermal recovery among the various areas, significantly enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the building (which in effect was granted BREEAM certification for full and integrated sustainability). Cooling is ensured through 4.5MW geothermal wells and 14MW evaporation towers. Moreover, the system is connected to the local heating network providing 9 thermal MW.

Rethink Energy took on the design of mechanical, energy, electric and special systems, as well as coordination, MEP management and the works direction of the entire project, combining heat pump, geothermal, teleheating and waterloop technologies.