Just a stone's throw from Portorož's promenade, time seems to have stood still. Here, where the white gold crystals were produced, the tradition of salt production is still palpable. Fifty years ago, salt production in Sečovlje was abandoned. Of more than 100 salt pan houses, mostly ruins remain. This image of ruins reflects economic change. It shows us impermanence and tells the story of a bygone era of economic prosperity. Our design for the Salt Pan House respects the history and tradition of salt production and continues it. The focus of the design lies in the deep conviction that decay has the potential to create high aesthetic value.

 

The new building for the entrance building of the Museum of Salt respects the architectural heritage without disturbing it. The new building is implemented into the ruin and recreates the historical form of a traditional salt pan house. The new building references the original form without reproducing it. Instead of a detailed replica, the new building is a contemporary interpretation. In this way, the filling creates an architectural dialogue between old and new. According to the figurative organization, old and new become a new design quality. Old and new become one.