Vietnamese architects Tropical Space, are known for their many endeavours in sustainable brick architecture. They believe in blending learnings from their tropical context with modern aesthetics. To encourage sustainability in their community they have innovatively used brick in all of their projects, taking advantage of its simplicity, flexibility, and availability, while also paying homage to local building traditions.

The Premier Office, situated in Ho Chi Minh City reflects the duo's deep understanding of the potential of the material. With the primary focus of the design language being the optimization of natural light and ventilation, brick has been configured on the façade to enable the structure to breathe. This perforated brick façade design allows light to enter the structure at optimal angles while mitigating the adverse effects of direct sunlight. Similarly, the interspersed wall openings direct the wind flow toward the interiors facilitating the opening of the doors and windows during favourable weather conditions. This semi-permeable skin envelopes a concrete structure divided into two parts by a centrally located, vertical void.

The internal mass of the structure houses two sets of programmes, separated by a semicylindrical void. One side of the structure houses office spaces that benefit from the perforated brick facades which open to capture sunlight and wind, while the other side accommodates the restrooms, storage spaces, elevators, and staircases. The central void serves the purpose of ventilating both sides by exploiting incoming winds that produce a stack effect. The perforations on the brick wall surrounding and defining the void also allow light to pass through, illuminating the connecting corridor and passages. This along with the incoming light through the façade produces a dynamic interplay of light and space.

The two perforated facades have vertical brick segments rotated by 45 degrees that create wind flow-channelling openings behind which the office windows and doors are placed. Between the façade and the enclosures of the functional areas are intentional gaps, which create a buffer layer that houses plants. All intermediate spaces within the structure are designed to accommodate plants, even the central void encases trees. These plants not only contribute to air purification but also prevent excessive sunlight from entering, and evoke a sense of calm within the workspaces.

With the increasing amount of time being spent at work, Tropical Space recognise workspaces as second homes. The design of work environments has a repeatedly proven impact on productivity and well-being. Consequently, through the incorporation of brick as a design element, the architects have introduced an ambience of warmth, enhanced by the influx of natural light that penetrates the interiors of the office building. The texture and composition of the brick modules endow the spaces with character and dynamism while this biophilic design with interspersed plants also connects the occupants with nature, resulting in a vibrant and inspiring work environment. Thus, as a result of the choreography of light, wind, vegetation, and masonry, nature is engrained into the daily experiences of the occupants.

The Vietnam-based duo has designed this building with sensitivity not only to the environment but also to the urban fabric within which the office is placed. The building's outward interface displays a traditional material that stirs familiarity and helps the building blend into the neighbourhood. 'Premier Office' thus fosters a sense of belonging while simultaneously encouraging sustainable design practices and a pleasant work environment among citizens.

Project Details

Location: 11A Nguyen Van Mai Street, Tan Binh District, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Architects: Tropical Space
Structural Engineer: Bach Ngoc Hoang
MEP Engineer: QCONS
Year: 2018
Finishing: 2022
Construction: Starcon company 
Site area: 200m.s
Building area: 300 m.sq
Level: 07 (1 basement, 1 ground floor, 6 floor)
Material: Clay solid brick, steel, concrete.

(Text by Aatmi Chitalia, Intern at STIR)