Projects / 11/26/2025

A luminous roof for Merlata Bloom

Architecture, sustainability and certified systems for a roof that combines aesthetics and performance for a modern shopping centre

Merlata Bloom, Milan’s new urban hub, combines design, sustainability, and technology in a cutting-edge architectural project. The large glass and wood dome naturally illuminates the interior spaces, effectively reducing energy consumption. Mapei and Polyglass contributed to the construction with advanced solutions for concrete formulation, floor installation, and waterproofing. It stands as a prime example of collaboration and innovation for the city of Milan.

A landmark in Milan’s urban transformation, the Merlata Bloom centre stands out for the connection between sustainability, socialisation and economic development. Located in the rapidly expanding Cascina Merlata neighbourhood close to the Milan Innovation District (MIND), it is more than just a shopping destination, it is a genuine hub for the local community and for the whole city.

Easily accessible thanks to its proximity to the high-speed rail, metro and cycle path networks, the centre aims to serve both Milan and its neighbouring municipalities to the northwest. It features more than 200 shops, 40 food outlets, a multiplex cinema and a superstore. Terraces and landhascaped areas encourage socialisation and relaxation, making it a vibrant and inclusive space.

Designed by the international studio Callison RTKL, the project demonstrates how architecture can blend harmoniously into its surroundings. The large glass and wood dome, symbol of the shopping centre, extends for 8,500 m² and allows natural light to illuminate the shop galleries, reducing energy consumption. Covering a total area of 70,000 m², the complex also incorporates 5,000 m² of photovoltaic panels and over 5,000 m² of green areas, including winter gardens, terraces and outdoor spaces.

Mapei and Polyglass contributed to this complex, high-profile project by supplying products and providing on-site support. Mapei supplied admixtures for the concrete used to manufacture several elements in different areas of the building, including the car park flooring and sections of the arcades, as well as solutions for installing ceramic tiles in the arcades and more than 5,000 m² of cementitious flooring in the Decathlon store showroom and fitting rooms.

The roof of the shopping centre was waterproofed using Polyglass solutions.

Waterproofing with certified systems

The waterproofing work on the entire building, including the roof, was carried out by Isocaf Srl using high-quality materials from Polyglass and Bureau Veritas-certified systems to guarantee optimal design and waterproofing throughout the structure. The bituminous membranes used for this work were Antiradice EL C, Polyflex EL C, Elastoflex S6 P, Polyleaf P, Spider P SA and Elastoshield TS4 P.

A conductive layer of Conductive glass fleece SM120/2 was also installed between the first and second layers of thermal insulation to allow the waterproofing system to be tested during construction.

The retaining walls were waterproofed with Polyleaf P waterproofing membrane to protect them against seepage and rising damp.

Polyglass supplied waterproofing bituminous membranes such as Antiradice EL C, Polyflex EL C, Elastoflex S6 P, Polyleaf P, Spider P SA and Elastoshield TS4 P.

Collaboration and innovation

Close cooperation between all players involved in the project was crucial to its success. Immobiliare Europea handled the design, while Cantieri Commerciali Srl carried out the construction work, demonstrating how a collaborative approach can enable such a complex project to be completed within just three years. The Merlata Bloom project shows how sustainability, innovation and vision can converge to create a unique urban space. It represents a new paradigm in urban development, demonstrating that energy efficiency, social interaction and environmental responsibility can truly go hand in hand.