Architecture

On behalf of Jakob, the architects of the Swiss firm rollimarchini worked together with the Vietnam-based architects of G8A to develop the concept for the new construction of our factory in Saigon. The task was to develop an innovative building design that is designed for a humid tropical climate.

The solution: Three multi-storey structures are grouped as a unit around an inner courtyard. In order to minimize energy consumption, Jakob relies on an energy-reducing construction principle of naturally ventilated rooms and green facades for the new factory building. Ropes and stainless steel nets from the company's own production are used.

Natural ventilation

Rooms that can be opened up to 60 percent with sliding elements are arranged under large roofs that protect against sun and rain. This ensures natural ventilation. In addition, simple fans support a constant air flow that lowers the perceived temperature in the buildings by several degrees. However, due to the high facades, this approach alone was not sufficient to provide complete heat and rain protection. This problem is solved in a complementary way by "hanging gardens" made of planters suspended from stainless steel ropes and nets. The green walls not only shade the interior spaces and filter pollutants from the air, they also lower the building temperature through evaporation.

Hanging gardens

The vegetation of the green walls grows in planters that extend along the entire length of the buildings' facades. Over six kilometers of diagonally running stainless steel ropes support up to nine levels of planters. The 16-millimeter-thick rope tension members transfer the loads to the steel roof beams at the top and to the floor slabs at the bottom. The planters themselves consist of a base frame of rectangular sections and a waterproof layer held in place by Webnet rope nets. All structural components are made of type 316 stainless steel, which offers great durability against corrosion. In addition to the structural elements, the green facade contains a fully automatic irrigation and fertilization system.

Reduce energy and emissions

Buildings that are greened and ventilated in this way reduce energy costs and emissions. Where the buildings are not open to the outside, mobile sliding walls made of translucent polycarbonate allow sunlight to penetrate. The use of natural light for the interiors further reduces the factory's electricity requirements.

The multi-storey design of the factory buildings saves space on the floor area. Instead of the usual horizontal distribution of the factory on a single-storey floor plan, the architects have arranged the required work areas one above the other. As a result, the Jakob factory site includes a three-story production building, an administration building, and a covered storage and parking area. In the master plan, the architects have also envisaged structural extension stages using the same energy-reducing construction principle, in order to be able to create further production rooms if required.

Oasis in the courtyard

In the center of the site is a spacious courtyard. Grass-covered and tree-covered planting islands accentuate the courtyard. The walkways between the islands are covered with gravel so that excess water can seep away. This arrangement provides employees with a park-like recreation area with shady trees, sports equipment, volleyball and table tennis courts.

Outlook

The green facade of the factory not only fulfils its functional character for the Jakob Rope Systems manufacturing site, it also becomes an inspirational impulse for other companies. It shows a way to "open up" for natural ventilation and drainage and for better working conditions with less ecological impact.

The use of natural ventilation with the help of stainless steel rope systems and green facades provides an example of sustainable architecture. The design of this project could trigger further developments both in Vietnam and worldwide.

Technical details facade

Components facade:

Total area plant trough facade: 4250 m2
Ropes: Jakob 6x19+WC, Ø16 mm, AISI 316, clevis with turnbuckle / swaged external thread end
Clamps / deflection points: AISI 316
Anchoring components: Structural steel S355
Plant container frame: RHS-50x100x2.5, AISI 316 / Total about 6 km

Frame plant containers:

Cross braces: SHS 50x3, AISI 316
Plant pot holder: 20261-0150-080 with hooks, 3‘000 m2
Earth beam: Webnet, rope diameter Ø1.5 mm, mesh aperture 80 mm, with hooks on railing (Ø10 mm)
Horizontal supports: Ropes Ø10 mm, glued in with composite mortar, total around 190 pieces
Vertical fall protection: Webnet 20261-0150-080 with hooks, total around 500 m2
Loads plant container filling: 3 kN/m2
Through reduced dynamic pressure: 0.3 kN/m2

Construction process:

1. Installation of ropes, installation under specific prestressing force (P0 = 15 kN)
2. Mounting frame plant containers
3. Mounting horizontal supports
4. Mounting Webnet
5. Attachment of membrane, drainage layer, soil with plants
6. Retensioning of wire rope tension members
7. Installation of irrigation system, connection work for drainage