About the Project
SAWA is the first 50-meter-high all-wood residential building in Rotterdam, designed to set new standards for sustainability, biodiversity, and social inclusivity. Built almost entirely in cross laminated timber (CLT), SAWA stores carbon instead of emitting it—offering a powerful alternative to traditional concrete and steel construction.
SAWA is more than just a wooden high-rise. It is a circular and nature-inclusive building that integrates greenery, nesting boxes, and flexible modular design. By including a mix of owner-occupied and rental apartments, SAWA is accessible to a broad range of income groups and contributes to a socially inclusive city.
With its detachable construction, CLT floors without concrete, and a strong focus on reuse, SAWA is built for both today and tomorrow. It supports energy neutrality during and after construction and adds ecological and social value to its neighborhood, making it a model project for future urban development.
The development of SAWA is based on the idea of shared value: it not only reduces CO₂ emissions, but also enhances biodiversity and promotes community. The building includes shared facilities such as a vegetable garden, mobility services, and communal spaces, creating an environment where residents and neighbors can connect. SAWA shows that sustainable, inclusive living is both realistic and replicable.
About the Remover
The SAWA project was developed by Nice Developers, a Rotterdam-based firm focused on sustainable urban living. With a mission to create future-proof cities, Nice brings together design, ecology, and social impact in innovative housing concepts like SAWA.
The timber structure of SAWA was made possible through a collaboration with DERIX, who supplied the cross laminated timber (CLT) components. These prefabricated elements were produced using PEFC-certified wood and tailored to meet the project’s technical and environmental goals.
The carbon removal credits associated with SAWA are submitted by the building’s owners association (VvE). This ensures that the long-term carbon storage achieved by the building's timber structure is transparently and collectively managed by those who live in and maintain the building. Together, the developer, supplier, and future residents demonstrate how climate-positive construction can be realized through collaboration and shared responsibility. The revenues generated from the sale of Carbon Removal Units (CRUs) by SAWA’s owners association will be used for the long-term sustainability and community function of the building. Additionally, funds will be directed toward the maintenance, enhancement, and monitoring of on-site biodiversity, as well as knowledge-sharing and public engagement initiatives related to the project.
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