Add To Collection
Add to Collection
SAWA
SAWA
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Popular Winner, 2023 A+Awards, Unbuilt - Unbuilt Sustainable Residential Project
Special Mention, 2021 A+Awards, Residential - Unbuilt - Multi-Unit Housing (L >10 Floors)
Project Featured on Nov 28, 2023
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
View Original
Add To Collection
Add to Collection
Other Projects by Mei architects and planners
SAWA
Rotterdam, Netherlands
Popular Winner, 2023 A+Awards, Unbuilt - Unbuilt Sustainable Residential Project
Special Mention, 2021 A+Awards, Residential - Unbuilt - Multi-Unit Housing (L >10 Floors)
Project Featured on Nov 28, 2023
Type
STATUS
Built
YEAR
2025
SIZE
100,000 sqft - 300,000 sqft
BUDGET
Unknown
SAWA is a pioneering residential building in Rotterdam that demonstrates how contemporary urban housing can be simultaneously climate-positive, socially inclusive and architecturally expressive. Rising 50 meters in the Lloydkwartier district, SAWA is one of the tallest timber-based residential buildings in the Netherlands and sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban development.
SAWA is conceived as a living ecosystem for people and nature, rather than a standalone residential object. Its sculptural form is defined by generous planted terraces that wrap around the structure, integrating greenery, shared outdoor spaces and biodiversity directly into the architecture. These spaces support social interaction, climate adaptation and urban ecology, while giving the building a distinctive stepped silhouette. The façade expresses the timber structure honestly, combining warmth, rhythm and depth with robust detailing suited to an urban context.
SAWA accommodates 109 mid-rent apartments, addressing a critical housing need while prioritizing affordability, comfort and long-term adaptability. The layout is based on open-building principles, allowing future changes in use, floorplans and installations without major structural intervention. Communal spaces, shared mobility and collective green areas strengthen the social fabric of the building and its relationship with the surrounding neighborhood.
Materiality and construction were central to the design concept. The primary structure consists largely of mass timber, significantly reducing embodied carbon while storing biogenic CO₂. Innovative technical solutions—such as certified timber detailing and unconventional fire-safety systems—were developed in close collaboration with engineers, contractors and authorities, pushing regulatory boundaries while maintaining safety and performance.
Designed by Mei architects and planners and developed by NICE Developers, with ERA Contour as co-developer, SAWA exemplifies an integrated design-development model. The project proves that high-quality architecture, social ambition and environmental responsibility can reinforce one another—resulting in a resilient, future-proof building that gives back to both city and nature.
SAWA is conceived as a living ecosystem for people and nature, rather than a standalone residential object. Its sculptural form is defined by generous planted terraces that wrap around the structure, integrating greenery, shared outdoor spaces and biodiversity directly into the architecture. These spaces support social interaction, climate adaptation and urban ecology, while giving the building a distinctive stepped silhouette. The façade expresses the timber structure honestly, combining warmth, rhythm and depth with robust detailing suited to an urban context.
SAWA accommodates 109 mid-rent apartments, addressing a critical housing need while prioritizing affordability, comfort and long-term adaptability. The layout is based on open-building principles, allowing future changes in use, floorplans and installations without major structural intervention. Communal spaces, shared mobility and collective green areas strengthen the social fabric of the building and its relationship with the surrounding neighborhood.
Materiality and construction were central to the design concept. The primary structure consists largely of mass timber, significantly reducing embodied carbon while storing biogenic CO₂. Innovative technical solutions—such as certified timber detailing and unconventional fire-safety systems—were developed in close collaboration with engineers, contractors and authorities, pushing regulatory boundaries while maintaining safety and performance.
Designed by Mei architects and planners and developed by NICE Developers, with ERA Contour as co-developer, SAWA exemplifies an integrated design-development model. The project proves that high-quality architecture, social ambition and environmental responsibility can reinforce one another—resulting in a resilient, future-proof building that gives back to both city and nature.
Product Spec Sheet
Were your products used?
Join as a manufacturer to add your products.