During the World Architecture Festival 2021, which took place online from 1 to 3 December, both the wooden residential building SAWA and the transformed warehouse Fenix I were awarded by the juries.
SAWA won the first prize in the category 'Future Projects - Experimental'. In this category, the sustainable residential building competed against seven other nominated projects. Fenix I finished in second place, Highly Commended, in the category 'Completed Buildings - New & Old', thereby beating twenty nominated projects.
Sixth award for SAWA
With the start of construction of SAWA in sight, the first award for WAF brings SAWA's total to no less than six award nominations. Previously, the building won first prize in 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 being developed by Nice Developers and ERA Contour. Mei architects and planners is responsible for the design. The revolutionary concept of SAWA demonstrates the progressive attitude of clients and architect in the field of circular timber construction, biodiversity and the creation of healthy communities.
The conviction and vigour to not only design but also realize a concept like SAWA is fed by the ambition to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and the achievement of (inter)national climate goals. SAWA, also called the 'healthiest building in the Netherlands', is thus an exemplary project for new generations, an important step in the sustainability objectives and demonstrable proof that it can be done differently.
About WAF
The World Architecture Festival is the largest inclusive and interactive architecture awards programme in the world. The festival attracts thousands of entries each year (in the categories Completed Building, Future Project and Interior) and is a unique meeting place for architects, clients and suppliers. Because of COVID-19, the festival did not take place live in Lisbon this year, but online, from 1 to 3 December.
