On 18 November 2025, SAWA Rotterdam was officially opened by Her Majesty Queen Máxima of The Netherlands. A special milestone for the residents, the city of Rotterdam and all partners involved who have worked on this circular timber residential building on the Lloydpier over the past few years.
SAWA Rotterdam is the first fully timber high-rise residential building in Rotterdam and is regarded as an exceptional example of circular, healthy and future-oriented timber construction. The building was developed with a strong focus on circularity, biodiversity and a healthy living environment. As a result, SAWA is among the most progressive residential buildings in the Netherlands. It is therefore no coincidence that the project has received multiple awards and is seen as a reference project for sustainable urban development.
For Leegwater Houtbereiding, SAWA Rotterdam is a project that closely aligns with our expertise in wood preservation, fire-retardant treatment and sustainable façade cladding. Together with NICE Developers, ERA Contour and Mei architects and planners, we contributed to a building where collaboration, sustainable timber construction and future-oriented development come together.
The role of Leegwater in SAWA Rotterdam
For SAWA Rotterdam, Leegwater Houtbereiding carried out the preservation and fire-retardant treatment of the spruce timber facade cladding. Woodlife HL50 was used for the preservation treatment, while Flame Delay FX Pro was applied for the fire-retardant treatment.
This specialist treatment is of great importance for timber facade applications in urban construction. It contributes to the technical performance, safety and durability of the wood, while preserving the natural appearance of the facade. In this way, Leegwater’s contribution aligns with SAWA’s high ambitions: circular construction, responsible material use and a healthy living environment.
Fotography: Ossip van Duivenbode
Collaboration as the foundation for sustainable timber construction
A project such as SAWA Rotterdam requires close collaboration between developers, architects, contractors and specialist partners. Drawing on our specialist knowledge of wood preservation, fire retardancy and façade cladding, Leegwater made a targeted contribution to the quality and service life of the timber used.
The opening by Queen Máxima underlines the exceptional character of SAWA. The building demonstrates how timber construction, circularity and future-oriented development can reinforce one another within the urban construction challenge.
For Leegwater Houtbereiding, SAWA Rotterdam is a valuable example of what becomes possible when vision, craftsmanship and collaboration come together in sustainable timber construction.
Fotography: Ossip van Duivenbode
