SAWA wins ARC20 Innovation Award ARC20 Jury: “SAWA is what the future looks like.”

During a festive live broadcast from the Mediahaven in Amsterdam last Thursday, the winners of the ARC20 Awards were announced. SAWA, developed by Nice Developers ERA Contour and designed by Mei architects and planners, was unanimously chosen by the professional jury as the winner of the ARC20 Innovation Award.

On behalf of the jury, architect Marc Koehler explained that the nominees were selected based on their ability to open eyes to a different approach to architecture and design. According to the jury, innovation should not be a small step in the right direction. “SAWA sets a radical change in motion,” Koehler stated.

From the jury report:

SAWA is relevant and promising due to the scale of its timber construction. It will be the most innovative, tallest wooden building in the Netherlands. This is a new concept, smart and aesthetic, energy-saving, and potentially the tipping point in the timber construction revolution.

The jury report confirms that SAWA is innovative on several fronts. SAWA distinguishes itself primarily in the field of high-rise construction in CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) by, among other things, constructing the floor without the addition of concrete. It is a bottom-up development by Nice Developers, ERA Contour, and Mei, based on vertical chain integration and with a focus on a group of future residents who are involved in the decision-making process. SAWA is designed to be low-maintenance based on the principle of Open Building, which provides optimal flexibility. The residential program will be a mix of affordable mid-range rentals and more expensive homes. Various amenities will be located in the plinth of the building, and the deck will serve as a green connector between the building and the surrounding greenery (such as the existing neighborhood garden), adding value for both residents and local residents.

Furthermore, SAWA is a pioneer in innovation regarding nature-inclusive construction. The way the building promotes biodiversity in the neighborhood – through a range of ecological provisions (such as a biodiversity roof, a tailored green plan for the balconies, and 40 animal habitats) – is unique in Europe.

Photo: Mark Compeer (Nice) and Robert Platje (Mei) receive the ARC20 award

About the ARC Awards

The ARC Awards is an initiative by ‘De Architect’ in collaboration with partners and has established a firm position in the Dutch architectural landscape. The ARC Awards highlight the very best work in the categories of architecture, urban planning, interior design, furniture, detail, innovation, young talent, and oeuvre. From over 350 submissions, independent professional juries selected the winning projects in six categories.

This year's jury for the ARC20 Innovation Award consists of Marc Koehler (MKA; jury chairman), Antoine van Erp (Matter Makers), Dirk van den Heuvel (TU Delft), Robert van Ieperen (Fakton), and Marianne Lahr (de Architect, secretary).