What sets NICE Developers apart NICE Developers its determination to take a truly different approach to the development process and its willingness to sacrifice part of its profits to do so. The result is expertise in the field of timber and circular (certified) construction.

The NICE Concept NICE Developers its clients to build change. The development of these Paris Proof buildings reduces CO₂-emissions because the building materials are biobased as much as possible, are 'harvested' from existing buildings, and because the buildings are circular (detachable). A NICE Building enhances biodiversity and climate adaptability, offers a better mix of social housing, mid-range rental properties, and owner-occupied homes, and, finally, contributes to more interaction and connection within the residential building and in the neighborhood. In this way, NICE Developers creates NICE Developers positive impact on the community, people, and the climate, thereby improving the world in a sustainable way. The award-winning SAWA is the ultimate proof that innovative construction is possible.

Climate change is a reality, as is the rapid decline in biodiversity. These developments will eventually affect us all. Action is needed now if we want to turn the tide. Unfortunately, change is not happening fast enough. Many highlight the necessity of change, but concrete action often lags. Why is this? There is insufficient momentum for innovation in the construction sector, and the sector is not adequately compelled to reduce CO₂emissions and innovate. Meanwhile, traditional building products like concrete and steel account for approximately 10% of national CO₂emissions. This pace is too slow for NICE. NICE takes matters into its own hands, driving change from the ground up by taking direct action and initiating change where it can be most effective: in the development and construction industry. Change is not only necessary but also achievable in this sector. We just need to do it now!

Want to know more? Milieucentraal explains the exact consequences of climate change well here.

NICE Developers succeeds in this, simply because they consider it extremely important. Why? Because the earth is becoming depleted. And because reuse reduces CO₂-emissions. Where there's a will, there's a way: NICE is innovative, demonstrates perseverance, and ensures that the 'harvested', reusable material is applicable, with certification if required.

Individuals and businesses often exhibit a natural resistance to change. Consequently, many developers and contractors opt for established methodologies – the familiar routes – rather than exploring innovative approaches. Furthermore, national building regulations do not mandate such shifts. This unfortunately leads many stakeholders to continue 'traditional' construction with concrete, despite the vast potential for creating healthy and Paris Proof living environments for current and future generations.

Moreover, numerous myths surrounding circular and timber construction can deter interested parties. Timber construction is often perceived as riskier, significantly more expensive, and more complex, including its maintenance. NICE effectively debunks these misconceptions. While initial apprehension is understandable, it is unfounded.

What sets the NICE Concept apart NICE Concept its combination of a proven prefabricated and circular system.

• The innovative Paris Proof approach has received approval and demonstrated its efficacy;
• The modular concept is reproducible and enables timber construction up to 100 meters;
• The floors – constructed from Cross Laminated Timber – are fitted with dry ballast instead of concrete, rendering the building components reusable (circulaar). This also ensures that CO₂ remains sequestered for a significantly longer duration;
• A NICE Building transcends mere timber construction. It is also circular, inclusive, and beneficial for both humans and wildlife. Furthermore, it is climate-adaptive. And…

NICE Buildings CO₂-reduction through several mechanisms:

• Timber sequesters CO₂ , whereas concrete emits CO₂ NICE Buildings a fully wooden main supporting structure and therefore contribute to CO₂-sequestration;
• Many recycled materials NICE Buildings used in the construction of NICE Buildings . These materials do not need to be produced again, which means less CO₂ emissions compared to virgin material production;
• NICE Buildings CLT floors NICE Buildings filled with dry ballast instead of wet concrete. This makes the building components detachable and reusable. By constructing buildings whose materials can be reused after their service life, we reduce future CO₂-emissions;

The NICE Concept a solid investment for several reasons, namely:

• The demand for Paris Proof buildings is already significant, and this need is expected to grow further due to future (international) laws and regulations;
• It is a timber construction system, already implemented in SAWA, whose technology has proven its efficacy;
• Construction costs are competitive compared to traditional concrete construction;
• Maintenance costs are in line with market standards;
• Interest rates for this innovative construction concept are lower than for traditional construction, resulting in more affordable mortgage loans;
• The concept is not only a prudent investment for the client/investor but also contributes to the interests of current and future generations, as it is Paris Proof and aligns with sustainable objectives;
• In short: as an investor, you benefit from added value in the broadest sense.

The NICE Concept not automatically NICE Concept the feasibility of social housing, mid-range rental properties, and owner-occupied homes in a single residential building. The mission and vision are responsible for this. NICE Developers it important to realize affordable, Paris Proof homes and is willing to sacrifice part of its profits to make this possible. This has nothing to do with the technical system, but everything to do with the ambition behind it. Slightly less profit for higher added value: high-quality, affordable, and future-proof homes for everyone.

The abbreviation CLT stands for Cross Laminated Timber. These are single-layer planks placed at right angles to each other and used as a building material. This reduces the movement of the wood and creates a rigid and dimensionally stable wood product, suitable for floors, walls, and roofs. CLT is very stable and can absorb considerable forces. Glulam is also laminated wood, but slightly different. With Glulam, the wood is not glued crosswise, but the wooden planks lie in the same direction. This creates very strong beams that can be used to bridge large spans. We use Glulam for wooden columns and beams. In the NICE Concept , CLT and Glulam NICE Concept the most important materials for the wooden main support structure. The wood itself is certified and sourced from sustainable European forests.

Did you know that: one cubic meter of CLT reduces 2 tons of CO₂!

SAWA is referred to as 'the healthiest building in the Netherlands' because it contributes to a healthy future in various ways:

• Many people are simply looking for a place to live, and NICE Buildings this basic housing need. But that's not all. Because a NICE Building also contributes to a better climate, residents not only get a home, but also a living environment that offers everything they need for a healthy and happy life.
• Living in a wooden apartment provides a pleasant indoor climate (acoustics, scent) and thereby contributes to an enhanced sense of well-being (also read: whitepaper 'More wood, more health')
• Generous communal outdoor spaces promote interaction and connection, leading to an enhanced sense of happiness;
• Timber construction ensures more CO₂-sequestration;
• The applied (certified) wood originates from sustainable forests with a CO₂-neutral production. For every timber harvest, additional trees are replanted, for more CO₂-sequestration;
• Recycling contributes to CO₂-reduction;
• SAWA is designed for deconstruction, thus circular in concept, and that contributes to CO₂-reduction;
• There is abundant greenery in, on, and around the building, which ensures more CO₂-storage, improved living conditions for humans and animals, and motivation for increased physical activity;
• With CLT, construction is up to 50% faster than with traditional building techniques, thereby reducing construction-related nuisance for the neighborhood.

Everyone deserves a good, healthy home, not just those who can afford it financially. That is why NICE Developers on Paris Proof residential buildings that bring together different types of housing (social rental, mid-range rental, and owner-occupied) and diverse people with different wishes and financial possibilities. The common denominator? They all value a good, healthy neighborhood and city and are open to or see the added value of meeting, connecting, and community.

During the design phase (Mei architects and planners), careful consideration was given to the distribution of homes and communal areas that serve as meeting places for residents (and local residents). During and prior to the development phase, NICE Developers maintains NICE Developers contact with both (potential) new residents and local residents, asking them about their needs, concerns, and wishes, and then discussing the plans with them. In order to guide this process at SAWA as optimally as possible, NICE Developers will also take care of property management NICE Developers completion.

SAWA is the first all-wood and circular 50-meter-high residential building in Europe. It was designed from the drive to develop a zero-carbon building, in response to the climate crisis. A building that for a healthy future. The realization of SAWA marks an important step toward international sustainability goals and proves that construction can be different. This pioneering approach is recognized and awarded!

Following SAWA's success at the World Architecture Festival, the Architecture Masterprize, MIPIM / Architectural Review Future Project Awards, Iconic awards for Innovative Architecture and Green Good Design Awards, among others, the SAWA team picked up two prestigious international architecture awards in Paris in late 2023. SAWA became the winner in the Green Architecture category and also the Popular Choice winner of the 2023 Architizer A+ Sustainability Awards. These awards are reserved for projects that excel in courage, diversity and excellence.

Why is SAWA attracting so much international attention? You can see why in the video below from The Financial Times. Senior editor Leyla Boulton came to Rotterdam to see SAWA and spoke to Mark about NICE Developers approach. Watch the video here.

A building made of wood, like any other building, must comply with regulations. So does a NICE Building. In the Netherlands, all this is laid down in the Bouwbesluit. The Bouwbesluit assumes that a 'carbon crust' forms on the wood in case of fire, after which the fire stops. To verify this assumption in the Building Code, SAWA was further investigated. This led to the decision to take an additional measure - on top of the Building Code - for extra safety. All homes are therefore equipped with sprinklers.

The Building Code includes requirements regarding noise and vibration. A wooden building, like a concrete building, must meet these requirements. Through research in the development process and testing of the transmission of noise and vibrations, it appears that with timber construction we more than meet the requirements of the Building Code.

The maintenance cost of a wooden building is no higher than that of a traditional building. The main wooden structure is located inside the building and, in principle, does not require any maintenance. A facade of wood does require maintenance, similar to the facade of a traditional building.

NICE Buildings increasingly competitive in price compared to traditional construction. This is partly due to chain integration between architect-developer and other agreements with our (construction) partners. In addition, NICE sacrifices part of its profits and sells the stored CO₂ via so-called 'carbon credits' to parties that want to contribute to the transition from concrete construction to biobased buildings. This generates additional revenue and is done in collaboration with Climate Cleanup.
Would you like to know whether timber construction is feasible? Please contact us for a quick scan.