04008VN Miss Ao Dai

Project size: 7,676 square meters

Construction cost: $2,000,000

Architect: SWA Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Civil & Structural Engineer: Tien Phong Construction Co., Ltd.

M & E Engineer: VHT Engineering Co., Ltd.

Right in the center of downtown Saigon, this 12-storey commercial office building features a sensuous curvilinear exterior face indicative of one of the most popular shapes of Vietnamese culture, the traditional ‘Ao dai’-dress.

The structure mainly consists of office space for lease, while upper levels accommodate a large spa, beauty salon and a rooftop coffee terrace overlooking the zoological gardens in the east and Ho Chi Minh City’s CBD towards the southwest.

Below ground, a basement contains vehicle parking and building services.

Deep horizontal strips of glazing punctuate the main volume, the distinct setback providing framed panoramic views out. The more conventional façade treatment behind the white-rendered exterior features a metal cladding system in dark-gray hue providing a stark contrast to the elegant shape of the wrap-around outer cladding.