SAWA by Mei Architects and Planners
Location: Rotterdam, Netherlands
Status: in Design Phase

The innovative Rotterdam residential building SAWA has received the Green GOOD DESIGN™ Award 2021. The building was designed by Mei architects and planners on behalf of Nice Developers and ERA Contour. SAWA will be the first 50-meter-high fully wooden residential building in Rotterdam. An exceptional feature of the project is that the building will be built in CLT (cross-laminated timber), including the main supporting structure.

The building is distinctive in its appearance due to the generous green terraces and is completely designed from the point of view of plants and animals, with which the building enhances the biodiversity of the district and the city. With this ‘healthiest building in the Netherlands‘, a place is created that adds value to the neighbourhood, by stimulating communities, a common deck, shared facilities, and connection with existing local initiatives. The future residents are actively involved in the development of SAWA and participation meetings are regularly organized. The official sale is scheduled for the summer of this year and the aim is to start construction of SAWA by the end of 2021.

The building’s shape also provides spacious terraces for the residents and a large communal deck on the first floor. SAWA will house approximately 100 apartments, varying from 50 up to 100+m2. The apartments can be freely arranged due to the column structure. This ensures a high degree of user-friendliness and flexibility for future (and next-generation) residents and makes the building future-proof.

SAWA is being developed in the heart of the neighbourhood and will, partly because of this central location, provide added value to the neighbourhood by creating meeting areas and by connecting with existing local initiatives. Various facilities will be added to the ground floor of the building and the green deck will function as a green connector between building and surrounding area (such as the communal garden) and add value for both residents and neighbors.

The program comprises approximately 100 dwellings, of which 50 rental apartments in the modal segment, making it possible for people with indispensable professions (police officers, teachers, nurses, etc.) to remain in the city.

SAWA is an installation-poor building, with a healthy indoor climate and possibilities for adaptations in the future. The houses are equipped with cross ventilation and temperature plus CO2-controlled ventilation valves in the facade. The city heating is sustainable and there will be PV panels on both the roofs and the solar crown at the highest point. The energy generated by the PV panels, is stored in batteries of the shared cars, scooters, and bicycles.

more. www.mei-arch.eu