In the run-up to the World Architecture Festival 2021, which took place from 1 to 3 December, both the wooden residential building SAWA and the transformed dockyard warehouse Fenix I have been awarded by the juries. SAWA won first prize in the category ‘Experimental – Future Projects’. In that category, the sustainable residential building competed against seven other nominated projects. Fenix I finished in second place, Highly Commended, in the category ‘New and Old – Completed Buildings’, leaving behind twenty nominated projects.
Sixth award for SAWA
With the start of construction of SAWA in sight, the first prize for WAF brings the total of SAWA to no less than six awards. The building has previously won first prize at the Green Good Design Awards and the ARC20 Innovation Award, was Highly Recommended at the MIPIM/AR Future Project Awards, received a Special Mention at the Architizer A+ Awards, and was selected for the Iconic Awards for Innovative Architecture.
SAWA is developed by Nice Developers and ERA Contour. Mei architects and planners is responsible for the design. SAWA’s revolutionary concept shows the progressive attitude of both clients and architect in the field of circular timber construction, biodiversity, and the creation of healthy communities.
The conviction and decisiveness to not only design a concept such as SAWA, but also to realize it, is fueled by the ambition to contribute to reducing CO2 emissions and achieving national and international climate goals. SAWA, also known as the ‘healthiest building in the Netherlands’, is therefore an exemplary project for new generations, an important step in the sustainability goals, and demonstrable proof that things can be done differently.
About WAF
The World Architecture Festival is the largest inclusive and interactive architecture award program in the world. The festival attracts thousands of registrations every year (in the categories Completed Building, Future Project, and Interior Design) and is a unique meeting place for architects, clients, and suppliers. Due to COVID-19, the festival did not take place live in Lisbon this year, but online, from December 1 to 3.
Check out the list of category winners of the World Architecture Festival here.
