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Context

As part of the 19th International Architecture Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI), together with Natural Systems Utilities and Sodai, in collaboration with the world-renowned architecture firm Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R), launched Canal Café: a visionary urban installation that transforms brackish canal water into high-quality espresso. The challenge was both symbolic and technical: prove that water reuse can be safe, sustainable, and culturally inspiring — even in one of the world’s most iconic cities built on water.

Solution

NSI, through its companies Natural Systems Utilities and Sodai, designed, built, and operated a cutting-edge hybrid water treatment system that combines natural processes with advanced filtration. The system purifies canal water to drinking-water standards, used on-site to brew espresso at the Canal Café — a public, interactive space designed by DS+R. The installation challenged perceptions and inspired dialogue on sustainable water reuse, earning international acclaim and the prestigious Golden Lion Award at the Venice Architecture Biennale 2025.

The expansion of Orlen’s wastewater treatment facilities marks another important step in strengthening the company’s environmental performance and operational reliability. At the heart of this success is the implementation of the Nijhuis HR-DAF (High-Rate Dissolved Air Flotation) system, delivered by NSI CE, which combines proven engineering with tailored, client-focused solutions.

The project realization faced some challenges from the start: strict Oil & Gas standards, tight delivery timelines, and the need for uninterrupted refinery operations during construction. However, due to the common efforts of dedicated and expert teams involved, the project was completed within the revised deadline and budget. Proactive approach demonstrated by NSI CE team during project execution was  highly appreciated by the client.

As part of the order NSI CE team provides also technological support for Orlen for the period of 3 years after take-over, including periodical visits of NSI CE engineer on site.

Project’s context and challenges

The Stora Enso mill in Ostrołęka is a combined pulp, paper, containerboard and corrugated box mill. The site was operating a high-rate anaerobic reactor that was underperforming, resulting in difficulties in the aerobic treatment stage and leading to extra costs due to the purchase of additional granular sludge. After a successful consultancy by Econvert, the existing high-rate anaerobic reactor was optimized. Shortly thereafter, the first Econvert-IR^® reactor was built. Due to its COD removal efficiency and sludge growth, the Econvert-IR^® outperformed the original reactor. As a result, Stora Enso decided to retrofit the existing installation with Econvert-IR^® internals.

The Andijk III Water Treatment Plant was designed to treat 120 million liters of surface water per day from the IJsselmeer. The project was commissioned by PWN, the drinking water utility of North Holland, and was driven by the need for a more sustainable and effective pre-treatment system to ensure high water quality while reducing environmental impact and energy consumption.

In operation since 2014, the plant required the integration of advanced technologies to:

• Remove a wide range of trace contaminants, including dissolved organic carbon, pharmaceuticals, and pesticides.

• Minimize reliance on chemicals and reduce the environmental and operational footprint.

• Ensure the system’s long-term reliability, scalability, and compatibility with existing and future infrastructure.

Context

To enhance water security and climate resilience, Singapore developed the Marina East Desalination Plant — the first dual-mode facility capable of treating both seawater and freshwater from the Marina Reservoir. Located in the heart of the city, the plant required a compact, energy-efficient, and future-ready solution to meet the nation’s growing water demands while minimizing environmental impact.

Solution

Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI), part of Saur Group, designed and delivered eight High Rate concrete i-DAF modules as pre-treatment for the Marina East Desalination Plant. The system includes coagulant and flocculant dosing, top mixers, corrugated plate packs, skimmer systems, and the Nijhuis i-AERATION flotation system. The i-DOSE intelligent dosing control ensures stable effluent quality and optimized chemical usage. The plant integrates ultrafiltration and reverse osmosis for final treatment, enabling dual-mode operation with high efficiency.