Timber construction of SAWA proudly inaugurated by Alderman Chantal Zeegers
March 05, 2024
The first wooden parts of the circular timber construction project SAWA in Rotterdam have been officially installed! On Monday, March 4, Alderman Chantal Zeegers of Climate, Construction, and Housing gave the official go-ahead for timber construction at SAWA by hoisting the first wooden beam onto the columns. She did so together with the developers of the new construction project, NICE Developers TBI company ERA Contour. Mei architects and planners, wood partner Derix, and real estate investor Focus on Impact also Focus on Impact the start of the timber construction. It was a special moment, because SAWA will be the first circular timber residential building over 50 meters high in Rotterdam. This makes it an icon that will not only claim a place in Rotterdam's skyline, but also raise the bar for sustainability and biodiversity in urban developments.
“As Alderman of Rotterdam, I am proud of the SAWA project – a gem on the Lloydpier that exudes sustainability. This project is a game-changer: it contributes to CO2reduction, utilizes safe, quick-to-build, sustainable, and reusable timber, and sets a new standard for urban development. SAWA is proof that in Rotterdam, we can build sustainably, beautifully, and inclusively.”
Alderman, Chantal Zeegers
Encounter and Biodiversity
SAWA will be Rotterdam's first wooden residential building over 50 meters high. The residential building enriches Rotterdam with 109 apartments, including 50 mid-segment rental homes, 20 private sector rental homes, and 39 owner-occupied homes. This mix of owner-occupied and rental properties makes living in SAWA accessible and affordable for various income groups. In addition to the housing supply, the emphasis is on communal facilities to stimulate encounters between residents and local inhabitants, contributing to the formation of a vibrant community and the prevention of loneliness. The spaces in the building for meeting and connection are favorable for local initiatives and serve the entire neighborhood. This also applies to the hospitality and social facilities on the ground floor of the building. The project's focus on greenery and biodiversity is unparalleled. SAWA will feature 140 nesting boxes for birds and bats and no less than 600 linear meters of perennial planters with over 20 carefully selected plant species on its facades and deck. In doing so, SAWA connects to the existing ecological structures in the city, contributing to an increase in biodiversity. Especially in the urban and largely stony environment of the Lloydkwartier, SAWA thus provides added value for the entire district.
“With SAWA, we prove that timber construction on this scale is not a utopia, but a reality we create together. This moment marks not only a milestone in construction but also a crucial step towards a future where we store CO2 instead of emitting it. SAWA is not just a building; it is a symbol of change and the power of collaboration for a more sustainable world.”
Developer and co-founder of NICE Developers, Mark Compeer
Reducing CO2Emissions
What makes SAWA exceptional is that the building is constructed entirely from CLT (cross-laminated timber) and Glulam (glued laminated timber). The use of concrete is minimized. This is an innovation in construction, as concrete is poured on the floors in virtually all tall timber construction projects. Instead of concrete, dry ballast is applied to the CLT floors in SAWA, making the building fully demountable and thus circular. Due to the large amount of timber used, SAWA stores almost 5,000 tons of CO2 , contributing to (inter)national climate objectives to limit CO2emissions. Furthermore, the timber provides a comfortable and healthy living environment for future residents.
“We are delighted to see SAWA come to life with the commencement of timber construction. This project represents not only our commitment to innovation in the construction sector but also our passion for creating a sustainable future for our cities and their residents.”
CEO of ERA Contour, Jeroen Heijdra
Timeline
SAWA is expected to be completed in early 2025 and will open its doors to future residents.
SAWA Expert Team
NICE Developers TBI company ERA Contour are developing SAWA. ERA Contour is also responsible for the construction of SAWA. Mei architects and planners the architect. Focus on Impact as the investor for the rental properties. An international team of experts is involved in the development, design, and implementation of SAWA, including Pieters Bouwtechniek, DERIX Group, Pirmin Jung, Adviesbureau Hamerlinck, DGMR, Aldus Bouwinnovatie, Peutz, Piet Vollaard, Bureau Stadsnatuur, and Copijn.
