On November 18, 2025, SAWA was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Máxima. It was a special moment for the residents, the neighborhood, and all the partners who have worked with vision, courage, and cooperation over the past few years on this circular wooden residential building on the Lloydpier in Rotterdam.
The opening marked more than just the completion of a building. It was a celebration of a new way of building: using wood and bio-based materials, socially inclusive and nature-inclusive. SAWA is a building that not only provides housing, but also contributes to community, biodiversity, and a healthy city.
The residents took center stage during the opening. Personal stories, images, and encounters revealed what SAWA truly stands for: living together, sharing together, and caring together for the place where you live.
A special moment in the program was the spoken word performance by Amara van der Elst, who powerfully and empathetically expressed the central theme of TOGETHER with her ode to SAWA — about living together, building together, and taking responsibility for the city together.
Watch the aftermovie here:
Special thanks to:
Her Majesty Queen Máxima
Royal Household
Mayor Schouten
Municipality of Rotterdam
Mei architects planners
Focus on Impact
All those involved in the creation of SAWA
All residents of SAWA
De opening en deze video zijn het initiatief van NICE Developers en ERA Contour.
Presentatie opening: Emma van der Leest
Spoken word performance: Amara van der Elst
Special thanks to those involved in the organization and the opening video:
NICE Developers – Mark Compeer, Robert Winkel, Mieke Winkel-Vullings
ERA Contour TBI – Bianca Seekles, Jeroen Heijdra, Maries Jumelet, René van Druten, Mirjam van den Bos
Mei architects planners – Robert Platje
DERIX – Johan-Paul Borreman
Focus on Impact – Freek Boeijen
Bureau Stadsnatuur – Niels de Zwarte
De Natuurlijke Stad – Piet Vollaard
SAWA Community – Residents: Gerdien, Rita, Eline, Hugo, Evelien, Maurice; the SAWA homeowners’ association board and party committee
Raad & Daad – Gloria Huisman
Photos of the opening: Jorrit Lousberg
Photos of SAWA: Ossip van Duivenbode
Video: AMMO – Amber Heij