Her Majesty Queen Máxima opens SAWA

Crowning achievement

During the substantive preliminary program, SAWA was presented to Queen Máxima. Residents, designers, ecologists, and developers explained how the building originated and its impact on their daily lives. One resident, along with her daughter, shared their personal story — a moment that visibly impressed those present.

Subsequently, the festive opening took place. Queen Máxima, together with the residents, unveiled a giant picnic table, which will now be located on the communal deck, fostering encounters within the building. This was followed by a tour of the building, where she engaged in discussions with residents and involved partners about the unique process behind SAWA.

SAWA serves as an exemplary model of how a residential building can contribute to a healthier, greener, and more social city. It is not merely a technically innovative timber construction; the building also provides space for urban nature and is designed to foster interaction among residents.

Living with nature – in the heart of the city

SAWA is constructed as a living ecosystem. With over 600 linear meters of integrated planters, thousands of indigenous plants, and 140 nesting boxes for birds and bats, the building visibly contributes to urban biodiversity. The living deck forms the green heart of the building: a communal outdoor space where residents meet, garden, or enjoy city views.
Nearly half of the residences fall within the mid-rental segment. This makes circular timber construction in SAWA accessible to a broad group of Rotterdam residents – a deliberate choice in the design and development process.

Built for encounter and community living

In addition to its green outdoor spaces, SAWA offers various shared amenities, such as a hobby and tool room, shared mobility options, and communal terraces. Everything in the building is designed to facilitate residents easily connecting and sharing daily activities.
Resident Rita experiences this daily:

The living deck with all those planters truly makes a difference. You notice that people are cheered up by greenery – and here you share that with each other. The communal hobby room, doing things together, spontaneously meeting someone on the deck… SAWA is designed to naturally foster connection. That picnic table we received yesterday completes it perfectly.

Collaboration as a foundation

During the opening, emphasis was placed on the intensive collaboration between developers, the builder, the architect, and a wide group of city partners. From concept and design to engineering, from ecology and execution to resident participation: SAWA demonstrates what is possible when craftsmanship and shared ambitions converge.

For interview requests or additional information, please contact:
Mieke Winkel – pr@nicedevelopers.nl – +31 6 24912602

Photo Opening: ©Jorrit Lousberg
SAWA: ©Ossip van Duivenbode