Penthouse for the peregrine falcon marks the highest point of SAWA
SAWA, the very first circular wooden residential building in the Netherlands, standing 50 meters tall, has reached its highest point. This milestone was symbolically marked by placing a specially designed nest box, “the penthouse for the peregrine falcon,” on the roof of SAWA, marking the iconic building’s final height.
Circular wooden construction
SAWA, located in the heart of Rotterdam, is much more than just a residential building. It is a symbol of sustainability, healthy living, and circular construction, combined with mid-range rental and private sector homes. The use of wood as the main building material plays a crucial role in this, as wood is a renewable resource that stores CO2 instead of emitting it. By building with wood, we align with the Paris Agreement, aiming to prevent temperatures from rising more than 1.5 degrees by 2050. The innovative construction of SAWA ensures that materials can be easily reused in the future, making the building fully circular.
“We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved so far. SAWA is not only a technological breakthrough in construction but also an example of how we can develop cities in a sustainable and healthy way. This project shows how we can create homes and contribute to a better climate.”
Mark Compeer van NICE Developers
Nature-inclusive design
In addition to the groundbreaking design and circular wooden construction, SAWA also contributes to biodiversity in the city. The facades feature no less than 700 linear meters of plant containers, housing over 3,000 site-specific plants from 19 different species. Additionally, 140 nest boxes have been integrated, including the specially designed box for the peregrine falcon. Through this nature-inclusive approach, SAWA strengthens biodiversity and connects with the area’s existing ecological structures.
Penthouse for the peregrine falcon
Rotterdam is popular with peregrine falcons. According to the City Nature Bureau, they like to nest on tall buildings to have a clear view of their prey. SAWA is an attractive location for the peregrine falcon due to its proximity to the Maas River. The bird of prey feeds not only on city pigeons but also on birds that follow the water. Nine peregrine falcon couples already live in Rotterdam. Now, it’s a matter of waiting to see when the tenth couple will take up residence in the nest box on SAWA’s roof.
Especially in the urban and largely stony environment of the Lloydkwartier, SAWA offers great value for the biodiversity of the entire neighborhood,” says ecologist Niels de Zwarte of the City Nature Bureau, who is closely involved in the project. “By creating habitats for birds, butterflies, and bees, we help nature find a place in an otherwise stony environment.
Niels de Zwarte of the City Nature Bureau
Completion in sight
With the highest point of the construction reached, the completion of SAWA is drawing closer. SAWA will include 50 mid-range rental apartments, 20 private sector rental apartments, and 39 owner-occupied homes. The first homes are expected to be delivered by mid-next year. The ground floor will feature a catering establishment and a community facility, for which an operator is still being sought.
Collaborating partners
SAWA is being developed by NICE Developers and TBI company ERA Contour, which is also responsible for the construction. Derix Group supplies and installs the wood. Mei architects and planners is the architect behind the project, and Focus on Impact acts as the investor for the rental apartments.