SA Building Review- 2026 SA Building Review: Volume 14 - 2026 | Page 96

PROJECT SALT Architects
The long east-west facades of these buildings feature angled brick fins and narrow south-facing windows, creating a " gilled " aesthetic that filters light while preventing algae growth in the filters.
These facades act as membranes, not for water but for sunlight, transforming filtration into both a functional and symbolic architectural element.
The administrative building, situated at the highest point of the site, functions as the " head " of the facility, serving as a symbol of human interaction and management within the industrial complex.
Integrated into the first filtration building, it adopts the language of the gilled facades but introduces a subtle shift in rhythm. Here, the fins peel away to form a loose brise soleil, creating a porous, screen-like structure that filters not only light but also the transition between inside and outside.
This gesture highlights the administrative building’ s function as a human interface, guiding visitors and signalling arrival. Behind the brise soleil, a doublevolume glazed atrium offers a bright yet protected entrance area, welcoming users and guests.
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