Introduction: Embracing Elemental Design

Designed by SAPIENS ARCHITECTES, the salt sheds in Châtellerault, France, exemplify a commitment to elemental architecture. Rather than complexity, the architecture seeks simplicity, deriving its essence from a few fundamental elements governed by intelligible rules. With coherence as the primary objective, these sheds embody clear constructive expression, formal clarity, and precise syntactic rules.

The Challenge of Composition

The journey towards finding the perfect composition for the salt sheds posed a significant challenge. Unlike other design sectors, architecture involves delivering a prototype directly. Tasked with producing the same building six times under a purchase order contract, the architects embarked on a mission to achieve coherence and consistency in design.

Iterative Design Process

With a program that boiled down to a roof and a concrete-wood structure, devoid of complex systems, the design process was marked by trial and error. It took multiple iterations to refine the finishes, details, and proportions to satisfaction. Despite the seemingly banal materials used, the architects aimed to imbue the sheds with a sense of contemplation through successful composition.

A Response to Context

Addressing a vast territory and serving communities in peri-urban or peri-rural areas, the salt sheds offer more than mere functionality. In areas often neglected by architectural innovation, these structures stand as beacons of thoughtful design, providing not just storage but also spaces for reflection and appreciation of industrial architecture’s simple yet profound beauty.