Report on the visit to SAWA on 30 January 2025

In 'Nice', a former brown pub and now serving as an information room, we were welcomed by Robert Platje, co-owner of Mei architects. And this one also did introduction and tour outside around the building SAWA. The name comes from the impression you get of the terraces as also at Indonesian sawas.

Unfortunately, it was announced right away that we would not be able to enter SAWA because there would be too many viewings and that was no longer allowed by the contractor. A pity because that was the whole thrust of doing the excursion now.

So SAWA is a largely demountable hybrid wooden high-rise residential building, so still with concrete core and plinth. It consists of a column and beam structure with plasterboard partitions and timber frame external walls. The façade will be clad in preserved but otherwise untreated Larix, which will therefore still colour.

Parking is provided below the building at street level. This made it cheaper than an underground car park, but the fire brigade still wants a concrete floor above electric cars. Lots of greenery should soften things up. But there is already a lot of greenery around the building on the floors and on the deck above the parking. Everything was discussed as much as possible in the neighbourhood also to shorten procedures.

Less obvious investors are being used to get the free rent pre-financed and the sale of Carbon credits to complete the financial picture, but the proceeds will be transferred to the vve. The contractor's development department has also taken on the upfront financing.

Hopefully, there will be another opportunity to view some of the inside.

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SAWA, the healthiest building in the Netherlands, represents a new generation of buildings and sets a new standard for circular construction with a 50-metre-high modular system constructed entirely of CLT (cross-laminated timber). The building contains 50 social housing units, 39 private flats and provides space for commercial and communal functions.

With its nature-inclusive design, SAWA contributes to sustainability, a healthy living environment and improved biodiversity. The housing concept offers a diverse mix, including affordable rental housing, enriched with shared services that promote a vibrant and caring community. The public deck acts as a green connection to the surrounding area, adding value for both residents and neighbours. Construction began in 2022 and completion is scheduled for April 2025.

Link to more info: https://mei-arch.eu/projecten/sawa/

The programme is as follows:

12.15-12.30 hrs: Walk-in NICE Place, Westzeedijk 467, 3024 EK Rotterdam (within walking distance of SAWA)

12.30-13.15: Introduction/lecture by Mr Robert Platje

13.15-14.00: Visit to SAWA

PPE is not required.