06025VN Sacombank Data Center

Project size: 1,165 square meters

Construction cost: $1,000,000

Architect: SWA Vietnam Co., Ltd.

Civil, Structural, M&E Engineer: Engcorp Engineering Corp.

This 2-storey Data Center, initiated by Saigon Commercial Bank (Sacombank), is located in Vietnam-Singapore Industrial Park (VSIP). Important for the client was to allow the architecture to reflect Sacombank’s readiness for corporate growth and its strategy to heighten its presence in Vietnam as well as in the wider banking society.

The buildings idiosyncratic plan derives from the client’s wish to allow the architecture to be informed by the Chinese art form of Feng Shui. In principle, these ancient strategies are a way of arranging the architecture, design and furnishings in such a way that it harmonizes with its surrounding landscape in order to improve the success, wealth and efficiency of the corporation.

Symbolic ideas have thus been employed in the orientation, planning and organization of the building. For instance, the overall plan is intended to resemble a key – a form that can be considered a metaphor for security and control of something treasured. The staggered façade along the street connect to the idea of a mountain and its inherent qualities of strength, distant views and prosperity. Water – another crucial element in Feng Shui - is a medium used to promote future business opportunities, discovery and vitality. It is used in the front of the main entrance in the form of a reflective lotus pond encircled by tropical plants and a stone-paved walkway.

The 1,150 square meter Data Center is elevated to prevent inundation and is organized around the main server room. This space is the centerpiece of the building housing the most important function. As an architectonic measure to highlight the space, a rotunda has been created. To further enhance its strong form it is clad in composite aluminum panels, from which the landscape radiates out in terraced segments.