SAWA
Rotterdam

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SAWA
Sustainable living at lofty heights


The SAWA residential building in Rotterdam is a visionary project that sets new standards for sustainable construction in cities. As the first high-rise building in Rotterdam to be constructed entirely from wood and designed to be dismantled, SAWA combines ecological responsibility with social innovation. The building was opened in November 2025 by Queen Máxima of the Netherlands.

SAWA
at a glance

Responsible living
Space for community and the future

SAWA is a pioneering residential project in the heart of Rotterdam – built entirely from wood, recyclable and socially inclusive. As Rotterdam’s first wooden high-rise, SAWA stands for sustainable construction, urban biodiversity and a new sense of community in the city.

The building was designed as a lively place for communal living and social participation. With 109 residential units, including subsidised rental flats for systemically important professions (e.g. police officers, teachers, nurses), SAWA promotes social diversity among its residents. Communal areas such as workshops, a large meeting area on the first floor and sharing models for vehicles, tools and gardens strengthen neighbourly coexistence. Wood was also the logical choice from an ecological sustainability perspective: SAWA largely dispenses with concrete, is dismantlable and conserves resources. Green façades and biodiversity areas contribute to ecological diversity in the city. SAWA is a symbol of change in urban housing – flexible, climate-friendly and designed for community living. It shows how architecture can contribute to solving social and ecological challenges.

Building project SAWA Rotterdam,
Lloydquartier,
3024 EA Rotterdam
Construction wood hybrid construction
Completion 2025
Total area 12.500 m2 (Neubau)
Volume of the wooden components 3.500 m3
Stored CO2
in the construction		 2.657 tCO2
Avoided CO2
in the construction		 3.188 tCO2
Regrowth speed
in german forests		 105 minutes
Client Nice Developers & ERA Contour, Rotterdam
www.niecedevelopers.nl
Architect mei architects and planners, Rotterdam
www.mei-arch.eu
Structural engineering Pirming Jung Deutschland GmbH, Remagen
www.pirmingjung.de

Prizes & Awards
für das Wohngebäude SAWA

ARC20 Innovation Award

SAWA was honoured with the ARC Innovation Award. The jury praised the innovative and sustainable high-rise construction method, particularly the use of the building material X-LAM and the focus on circular principles.

Green GOOD DESIGN Award

SAWA was awarded the Green GOOD DESIGN Award. Particular emphasis was placed on the sustainable and circular economy-oriented timber construction method.

Dutch Timber Construction Award 2025

Sawa was awarded the Dutch Timber Construction Award 2025. Particular mention was made of the building’s unique height, its innovative construction method and its role as a model for circular and CO2-storing construction.

Consistent circular economy
implemented

SAWA was developed according to the principle of circular economy: the materials used are dismantlable and reusable, and the construction largely avoids the use of concrete. With its shared spaces, SAWA creates a lively environment for people of all generations – a model for resilient cities in transition. The project is exemplary of a new generation of urban architecture that not only conserves resources but also promotes community life.

Downloads
for reference

Rotterdam Mikado: Rice terraces in Rotterdam

August 2025

Download (German)

The advantages of wood
in the SAWA residential building

Over 90% of the building’s load-bearing structure is made of CLT, which significantly reduces its carbon footprint. A special feature is the ceiling construction without the addition of concrete. The building materials are reusable in accordance with the principles of ‘urban mining’ and circularity. The wooden components used come from sustainable forestry, with three new trees being planted for every tree felled.

Model views

The model view of the SAWA residential building shows a complete representation of the construction details. It illustrates the architectural and structural elements in their entirety and makes the structure of the residential building easy to understand.


Full view CAD model

Further
Topics

Customised glulam

Our glued laminated timber (glulam) can be used to build customised structures, as we can produce the components in almost any shape and size – entirely according to your wishes. The kiln-dried timber boards are joined together by finger-jointing to form long slats. Discover our wide range of glulam.

Solid and versatile modular construction

Whether roof, ceiling or wall – X-LAM can be used in a variety of ways. Our X-LAM element construction gives you great freedom in building design. The flexibly usable elements made of cross laminated timber are custom-made for you and can be assembled quickly and easily.

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