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VENICE, Italy – Nijhuis Saur Industries (NSI) has been awarded the prestigious Golden Lion Award at the 19th Venice La Biennale for its bold and visionary project, Canal Café — a unique water treatment plant that turns the iconic waters of Venice into high-quality espresso, redefining water reuse and innovation.
The Golden Lion Award celebrates excellence in architecture, sustainability, and innovation. Canal Café stands out for its technical ingenuity and compelling message: water, even from unexpected sources, holds untapped potential when approached with creativity and care.
Menno M. Holterman, CEO of NSI, emphasized the significance of the recognition: “This award underscores Nijhuis Saur Industries’ role as a global leader in water technology and circular economy solutions. Through innovative, practical, and inspirational projects like Canal Café, the company continues to deliver on its #MissionWater, driving sustainable water use and resource recovery.”
The idea behind Canal Café was first introduced at Aquatech Amsterdam in March 2025, a collaboration between NSI and Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R). The concept challenges perceptions of water reuse by transforming Venetian canal water—filtered and purified through advanced technology—into fresh espresso.
What started as a provocation is now a powerful prototype for sustainable cities.
Located in the heart of the Venice La Biennale, Canal Café is more than just a café—it’s a living installation. Here, brackish canal water is purified using NSI’s advanced treatment system, producing high-quality drinking water for espresso. Visitors are invited to experience firsthand the possibilities of advanced water reuse, contributing to a sustainable future.
Visitors can enjoy this unique espresso at the Canal Café until November 23, making a direct impact on sustainable water use with every cup.
Canal Café is the result of a multidisciplinary, international collaboration:
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- Diller Scofidio + Renfro (DS+R) led the conceptual and architectural design, blending form and function into a space that embodies sustainability.
- Natural Systems Utilities, part of NSI, provided expertise in decentralized water treatment, turning canal water into potable water with minimal environmental impact.
Zach Gallagher, CEO, adds: “This project allows the public to interact with water in a completely new and personal way. If we can take canal water in Venice and turn it into one of the finest espressos, what else can we do to protect and preserve the most essential resource for life?”
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- Sodai, NSI’s Italian engineering firm, ensured local implementation within Venice’s historic infrastructure.
Marzia Chiesa, Chief Strategy and Sustainability Officer, reflected: “Canal Café is more than an installation—it is a symbol of cultural transformation. It shows how we can close the loop and restore water to its true value. Strangely enough, the future of water might just be in that cup of coffee.”
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- Nijhuis Saur Industries, part of Saur group coordinated the project and delivered technical solutions that reflect decades of leadership in water management innovation.
“Canal Café is a testament to what is possible when we challenge conventional thinking about water reuse,” says Menno M. Holterman. “This project is a symbol of our commitment to rethink water solutions for resilient and vibrant cities and communities around the globe.”
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- Aaron Betsky, curator and critic, enriched the project’s cultural and conceptual depth.
- Michelin-starred chef Davide Oldani crafted a special menu showcasing the unique properties of the purified canal water.
- Webuild, a global leader in sustainable infrastructure, supported project execution and logistics.
Canal Café is not just a milestone—it’s a beginning. The project has sparked international dialogue on how cities can tackle water scarcity, climate resilience, and urban sustainability through bold, imaginative thinking. As the world’s water challenges grow more complex, NSI’s pioneering work demonstrates that innovation, collaboration, and vision can brew real solutions—one cup at a time.
