Sustainable Smart Marina 'La Certosa'
From luxury to responsibility: A sustainable master plan that preserves the landscape and heritage while integrating renewable energies.
A consistently sustainable, modular and energy self-sufficient coastal master plan for the minimally invasive reorientation of the marina on Certosa Island in Venice:
As a linear infrastructural backbone, the ‘Smart Spine’ compactly bundles port, hotel and event functions while opening up the island to the public, culture and nature. The design thus shifts the focus of yachting away from pure luxury towards ecological and social responsibility – with measurable added value for climate resilience, biodiversity, quality of life and local value creation.
At the heart of the plan is the idea of ‘social gravity’: floating event pods create flexible public arenas, while artificial reefs promote new marine life. Beyond the ecological dimension, the plan focuses on social sustainability by opening up the island for communal use, culture and inclusive public spaces. This will create more accessible shore areas, cultural offerings and relaxing natural open spaces. The compact layout of the master plan halves the area affected and concentrates the functions along the Smart Spine – resulting in ‘50% less intervention’ with ‘more nature, more community’ and additional space for landscape and heritage.
The hospitality concept defines luxury as a climate-conscious and resilient experience. The Net-Zero Marina Hotel is located above the waterline, ensuring it remains safe and fully functional even with changing sea levels, and is powered entirely by solar and wind energy. The hotel is fully electric, and comfort is understood as immersive and sustainable – exclusive, without compromising on the environment.
In terms of construction, the project focuses on circularity and efficiency: the development has a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions, and all building components are 100% demountable. The buildings and residential units are modular, lightweight and low-carbon; prefabricated and reversible, they blend gently into the natural and historical fabric of the island. The Smart Spine thus combines clear order and scalability with a robust, future-proof system that minimises intervention and enhances the qualities of the location.
The design by ingenhoven associates was awarded first prize in the international competition for the sustainable reorientation of Marina La Certosa – as part of the ‘Monaco Smart & Sustainable Marina Rendezvous’ at the Yacht Club Monaco. Organised by M3 Monaco and supported by the Fondation Prince Albert II, the event brings together experts from over 20 countries to promote globally environmentally responsible, efficient and vibrant marinas.