SAWA Wins the 2026 Rotterdam Architecture Prize
June 16, 2026
Expert jury names wooden residential building as a model for the city of tomorrow
SAWA, the circular wooden residential building on the Lloydpier in Rotterdam, has won the Expert Jury Prize at the 2026 Rotterdam Architecture Prize. The project, designed by Mei architects and planners developed by NICE Developers ERA Contour, was praised by the jury as a building that demonstrates how architecture can go beyond the minimum requirements in terms of sustainability, quality of life, and social value.
The award comes just one week after SAWA was named BNA Best Building in the Netherlands 2026, once again recognizing the project as a pioneer in the field of future-proof housing.
Going above and beyond
In its report, the expert jury writes:
“Why should a building merely meet legal standards and regulations when we can go so much further? That is the challenging question SAWA poses—and answers convincingly.”
The jury’s full statement can be found in the jury report for the 2026 Rotterdam Architecture Prize.
SAWA is a nearly all-wood residential building standing 50 meters tall, featuring 109 apartments, communal facilities, and ample space for socializing, nature, and biodiversity. The building was constructed using CLT and laminated wood elements joined together with approximately 750,000 screws. As a result, the building is not only designed to be circular but can also be dismantled in the future.
According to the jury, SAWA stands out not only for its innovative design, but above all for the way it prioritizes quality of life. The spacious outdoor areas, shared amenities, nature-integrated design, and focus on social connection make the building more than just a collection of homes.
Architecture with social value
For Mei architects and planners , the award Mei architects and planners confirmation that architecture can make an active contribution to the major challenges of our time.
“With SAWA, we wanted to prove that the new standard for residential construction isn’t something of the future, but can be built today,” says Robert Winkel, architect and founder of Mei architects and planners. “Rotterdam has given us the freedom to experiment, pioneer, and build on our ambitions. This award demonstrates that climate-friendly, circular, nature-inclusive, and socially responsible construction is not only possible but also leads to better buildings for people, the city, and nature.”
The jury also commends developers NICE Developers ERA Contour for their decision to consciously allocate a portion of their profits toward enhancing quality. According to the jury, the fact that they chose to forgo some profit in favor of residents, nature, and quality of life demonstrates a fundamentally different approach, one in which a building’s value is not assessed solely in financial terms. The project demonstrates that large-scale timber construction is not only technically feasible but can also contribute to biodiversity, social inclusion, and a healthier living environment.
International recognition
SAWA is considered one of the most ambitious wooden residential buildings in the Netherlands. By winning the Rotterdam Architecture Prize, SAWA has once again added a major award to its impressive list of accolades. Last week, the project was named BNA Best Building in the Netherlands 2026, having previously won the National Wood Construction Award, and it currently graces the cover of the Yearbook of Architecture in the Netherlands 2025/2026.
The Rotterdam Architecture Prize marks the 22nd national and international award for the project. As a result, SAWA is emerging as a leading example of how sustainable, circular, and nature-inclusive housing can be realized on a large scale.
Congratulations to the other award winners
Team SAWA would also like to congratulate Jager Janssen Architects on winning the 2026 People’s Choice Award and receiving an honorable mention from the expert jury for the Steeds Hooger project. We would also like to congratulate the team behind Fenix on receiving an honorable mention from the expert jury.
Together, these projects demonstrate just how versatile, innovative, and inspiring Rotterdam’s architecture is.
