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Nijhuis Saur Industries

Project’s context & challenges

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.

Scope of supply

  • Concept design and project coordination (NSI)

  • System design and engineering (Natural Systems Utilities)

  • Local implementation, sampling, and O&M (Sodai)

  • Integration into architectural installation by Diller Scofidio + Renfro

  • Cultural curation, culinary collaboration, and public engagement programming

  • Full system commissioning and operation during exhibition period

Applied solutions

  • Advanced decentralized treatment for brackish water

  • Compact, modular design for urban and heritage-sensitive areas

  • Direct potable reuse for demonstration and engagement

  • Multidisciplinary collaboration integrating design, engineering, and sustainability

  • A living installation that redefines how the public interacts with water

Our positive impact

Receives the Golden Lion Award for innovation and sustainability in architecture

Demonstrates the safe transformation of brackish canal water into drinking-quality water

Raises public awareness on water reuse, climate resilience, and circular water solutions

Embodies a replicable, modular concept for decentralized water reuse in cities worldwide

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