SAWA, the 50-metre timber residential building on Rotterdam’s Lloydpier, has won the 2025 National Timber Construction Award, just hours after the Dutch queen Máxima officially opened the building, highlighting its national importance and its forward-looking design approach.

Developed by NICE Developers and ERA Contour and designed by Mei architects and planners, SAWA shows how circular and biobased materials can change the way cities grow.

Timber Innovation at an Urban Scale

SAWA uses cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue laminated timber (glulam) for almost the entire structure. As a result, the building stores CO₂ and keeps emissions low. The project also limits concrete use to a minimum, which further reduces its environmental impact.

The design team created a demountable building system with dry ballast floors instead of poured concrete. Builders can take these floors apart in the future and reuse the materials. A materials passport records every component. This approach gives the building long-term circular value and shows how timber can support flexible construction at scale.

Circular and Adaptable by Design

The structure follows the Open Building principle. Columns, beams and CLT floors form a clear load-bearing frame. Interior walls can change over time without affecting the structure. This flexibility helps extend the lifespan of the building and allows residents to adapt their homes as needs shift.

The timber comes from sustainable production forests in Germany. For every tree used, forest managers planted four new ones, creating a regenerative supply chain.

A Nature-Inclusive Living Environment

SAWA brings nature back into the city. The design team worked with ecologists to create 600 metres of green terraces, thousands of native plants and 140 nesting boxes for birds and bats. Each planting zone responds to the building’s height and orientation. This approach supports pollinators, enriches the local ecosystem and softens the urban environment.

Large terraces, green galleries and a shared rooftop deck give residents direct contact with nature. The design encourages outdoor use and supports physical and mental wellbeing.

A Social and Energy-Neutral Community

SAWA offers 109 homes, and almost half of them fall within the mid-rent segment. This mix creates a diverse and accessible community. Shared facilities—such as tools, mobility options and a communal garden—make daily life easier and bring residents together.

The building is energy-neutral. A CO₂-controlled ventilation system provides fresh air when needed. District heating and rooftop solar panels supply energy for communal areas, lighting and shared mobility.

Recognition for Craft and Collaboration

The award jury called SAWA “an icon for the future of timber construction”. New timber connection methods, developed with Derix Group, made the 50-metre height possible. The opening by Queen Máxima underlines the project’s cultural and architectural significance.

SAWA proves that circular timber design can support climate goals, social inclusion and urban biodiversity—while offering a warm and inviting place to live.

SAWA, as well as other amazing timber projects are featured in our new book, The Timber Truth.

Source: NICE Developers / Duurzaam Ondernemen
Photos: NICE Developers / Ossip van Duivenbode