Construction of SAWA commences
November 22, 2022
From left to right: Eric Dijkhuizen (Tuin op de Pier), Freek Boeijen (Focus Real Estate), Jos Melchers (Municipality of Rotterdam), Robert Winkel (Nice Developers Mei architects and planners), Mark Compeer (Nice Developers), Bianca Seekles (ERA Contour), Jeroen Heijdra (ERA Contour) Wim Verschoor (ERA Contour), Ron Zwinkels-Machielsen (SAWA resident) – Photographer: © Jerry Lampen
Construction has begun on SAWA, the very first circular wooden residential building in the Netherlands, standing 50 meters tall. At a festive gathering on November 18, the symbolic starting signal was given for the construction of this iconic residential building on Rotterdam's Lloyd Pier. A resident of SAWA, the municipality of Rotterdam, the developers Nice Developers ERA Contour, Mei architects & planners, and the investor Focus Real Estate together filled a special SAWA planter with a selection of plants that will eventually find a place on the building's green terraces. This planter was handed over to Tuin op de Pier, a green neighborhood initiative right next to the construction site. They will manage the planter until SAWA is completed, which is expected to be at the end of 2024.
Inclusive for Residents, Birds, Butterflies, and Bees
SAWA will feature 50 mid-rent apartments, 20 free-sector rental apartments, and 39 owner-occupied apartments. All new residents will soon live in a sustainable wooden building abundant with greenery. A remarkable 700 linear meters of planters, featuring 19 different plant species, will soon adorn SAWA's facades and deck, alongside a multitude of habitats for birds, butterflies, and bees. Thanks to this flora and fauna, SAWA enhances biodiversity and connects with the existing ecological structure of the area. Especially in the urban and largely stony environment of the Lloydkwartier, SAWA thus provides added value for the entire district.
Chantal Zeegers, Alderman for Climate, Building, and Housing:
In a few years, Rotterdam's first wooden residential tower, abundant with greenery, will stand on the Lloydpier. SAWA is the ultimate proof that it is possible to construct a sustainable building with affordable housing that is also built circularly. This has simply not been done before in this city.
Unique wood construction
SAWA is made from 90 percent CLT (cross-laminated timber). The use of concrete is kept to a minimum. This is unusual, because concrete is normally poured onto CLT floors, but not at SAWA. "We use dry ballast on the CLT floors in SAWA, so that the building is completely circular and therefore detachable. This is unique for a 50-meter-high wooden building," explains Robert Winkel of Nice Developers Mei architects & planners.
“SAWA is a particularly innovative project. Because SAWA is built from wood, it does not emit CO2 but rather stores CO. With the construction of SAWA alone, 5,000 tons of CO2 is stored. This makes a significant contribution to the reduction of CO2 and thus to combating climate change,”
Director at ERA Contour, Jeroen Heijdra
The CLT components are largely supplied prefabricated and then assembled on site. This reduces on-site operations, minimizing disruption and enabling clean construction.
For Every Tree Used for SAWA, 4 are Replanted
“The wood for SAWA comes from sustainably managed forests in Germany. Mature trees are selected for felling in the forest, and only these trees are removed. This preserves the forest and local biodiversity. For every tree needed for the construction of SAWA, four different types of trees are replanted,” says Mark Compeer of Nice Developers.
Award-Winning Project
Even before its completion, the SAWA project has won several prestigious international architectural awards. ‘This international recognition strengthens our team's belief that we are truly engaged in something exceptional,’ says Robert Winkel. ‘The conviction and determination to not only design but also realize a revolutionary concept like SAWA are fueled by the ambition to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, enhancing biodiversity, achieving (inter)national climate goals, and simultaneously creating affordable housing. With SAWA, we are developing a new icon for the city of Rotterdam. An example for future generations of builders and developers.’
Collaborating Partners
Nice Developers TBI company ERA Contour are developing SAWA. ERA Contour is also responsible for the construction of SAWA. Mei architects and planners been commissioned to design this apartment building. Focus Real Estate is the investor in the rental properties.
More information about SAWA or about homes still for sale in the project can be found at www.woneninsawa.nl.
Press photo: ©JerryLampen
Impressions: ©Beeldenfabriek +Mei architects and planners
Video: AMMO
