Vietnam Business Forum (2015):
DEUTSCHES HAUS: NEW BEACON ON THE SKYLINE OF HO CHI MINH CITY
On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-Germany diplomatic relations (1975-2015), Vietnam Business Forum interviewed Mr Horst Geicke, Chairman of Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City. Le Phuong reports.
From what point of view is the Deutsches Haus being built in Ho Chi Minh City?
Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City symbolizes not only the strategic partnership and friendship between the Socialist Republic of Vietnam and the Federal Republic of Germany, but demonstrates the commitment of the Federal Republic of Germany, that Vietnam has become for Germany one of the most important countries and partners today and more so in the future within the ASEAN-Region.
What makes Deutsches Haus different from other buildings in Ho Chi Minh City?
The building will be in every aspect a Grade A premium building comparable to the best sustainable International buildings in the region and will set a new benchmark for Vietnam.
First: The building will be more sustainable, green and energy-efficient due to our team of the best contractors and engineers, selection of high-quality building-materials and choice of building-technologies.
For example: One of our key-features showcasing Deutsches Haus high degree of energy-efficiency and green standards, will be one of the first built outside ventilated double skin facades, a premier in Vietnam and in the region.
While energy-costs in Vietnam will rise, potential tenants will save sustainably on their overhead-costs. Deutsches Haus reflects the global trend that tenants and their employees want to work and live in a safe, healthy and sustainable environment.
And second: We will offer for the well-being of tenants and their employees´ unmatched innovative services which currently do not exist in Vietnam.
Having known that Deutsches Haus is one of a few in South East Asia awarded with two energy-efficiency certificates: DGNB and LEED, could you give a brief of these two certificate systems? Are they building certificates for the future?
LEED, or “Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design”, is the most-well known International green building certification program that recognizes best-in-class building strategies and practices, while DGNB or “German Sustainable Building Certification” takes into account the complete life-cycle of a building and a more outcome-oriented approach to evaluate building-performance.
With both building certificates applied to Deutsches Haus in Ho Chi Minh City, we demonstrate the best available practices in sustainable, energy-efficient and green building-standards for the entire lifecycle of the building and therefore it is a clear “Yes” that both LEED and DGNB are setting the pace for both being the best building certificates of the future.
Once completed, how will Deutsches Haus contribute to the Vietnam-Germany co-operation relationship? What do you expect from the Deutsches Haus when completed?
Once we complete the development and construction of Deutsches Haus in the 3rd Quarter of 2017, we do believe that it will not only become a very successful investment, but the lighthouse and flagship of the Federal Republic of Germany as a key-partner of Vietnam for more investment and trade with Vietnam and the ASEAN-Region.
Further on Deutsches Haus shall become a new beacon on the skyline of Ho Chi Minh City, setting the pace for sustainable, energy-efficient, green building architecture and development, while offering the same time innovative, trendsetting customized services, creating the best environment and experience for tenants and their employees.
And last but not least, Deutsches Haus shall become the platform for Vietnamese and German citizens to further cultural exchange by stimulating and faciliating contract and dialogue between people through hosting events, exhibitions, conferences in trade, commerce, science and fine arts.
DEUTSCHES HAUS IN HO CHI MINH CITY
SYMBOL OF THE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP AND FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN GERMANY & VIETNAM
Since November 2014 the construction of the Deutsches Haus in Ho Chi Minh City is underway. Currently a 4-level basement is under construction till December 2015, offering 13,764 sqm GFA for parking. Completion of construction and development of the building will be the 3rd Quarter of 2017.
Deutsches Haus is a pioneering premium grade office tower strategically located on the corner of Le Duan Street and Le Van Huu Street in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City. The 25-storey building consists of approximately 30,000 net square meters of prime office real estate. Deutsches Haus is the lighthouse project of Germany in Vietnam and for the ASEAN region and symbol of the strategic partnership and friendship between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. In October 2011, Federal Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel and Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung signed the so-called “Hanoi Declaration”. This established a Strategic Partnership between Germany and Vietnam that is designed to strenghten political, economic and cultural relations and development cooperation.
Deutsches Haus Ho Chi Minh City in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City will therefore be the ultimate place to be, for doing business with ASEAN and Vietnam for German and Central European headquartered companies and institutions. At the same time Deutsches Haus will be the ideal trading platform for Vietnamese companies doing business with Germany and the European Union.
Already today Germany represents with up to 7,8 Billion USD trade-volume in 2014, 3% of Vietnam´s total trade and close to 30% of the trade with the European Union, making Germany with sustainable year-on-year trade growth rates of 20-30% the past 5 years the ideal partner of Vietnam for the European Union.
Further on, bilateral cultural relations have developed very well for the past 40 years, since the Federal Republic of Germany commenced diplomatic relationships with the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. The approximately 125,000 Vietnamese and Germans of Vietnamese decent who study, train, work or live in Germany act as a bridge between the two countries – a unique relationship in Asia which sustains interest in Germany.
Deutsches Haus has all modern state-of-the-art facilities and services one would expect from a centrally located premium grade office building. The building will be home to the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany, making it the destination for German and Central European companies, promoting Germany and Vietnamese relations.
Deutsches Haus presents itself to the city as a transparent and inviting building with a cost-effective design, low energy consumption, the use of ecological building materials, combined with the latest German technologies, and coupled with a high degree of sustainability, including the installation of photovoltaic equipment and panels to generate renewable energy.
One of the key features is the double facade which reflects the latest of German technology. It is a first in Vietnam and South East Asia and serves to emphasize the energy-saving structure under the climatic conditions of Vietnam.
Consequently, Deutsches Haus aims to be the premier green office building in Ho Chi Minh City, aiming for the LEED Gold certification (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and DGNB Bronze certification, the German equivalent.
Already today, the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Energy in Germany has awarded Deutsches Haus in Ho Chi Minh City as the only building worldwide, the distinction “Energy Efficiency – Made in Germany”.
In addition Deutsches Haus in Ho Chi Minh City will set a new benchmark and standard in Vietnam in terms of “Wellness” for tenants and their employees, creating value for different workspaces.
“In the future, performance will be measured in terms of collaboration, innovation and presence, enabled by technology. Employees will then see the built environment as an extension of their home and social lives, allowing them to work any place, anytime and anywhere.
Their wellbeing will be front and center for both employers and employees, driving growth and loyalty respectively.” Elmar Dutt, Senior Director of Marketing & Communication states.
The features in premium services Deutsches Haus will offer to tenants and their employees are for example: Free high-speed WiFi & power-connectivity in public areas, common area seating and workspace, fitness-center with activity pool, lounges & coffee shop, bicycle racks for staff/tenants, Dry cleaning pick up & delivery, concierge-services, valet-parking, dedicated car-driver lounge, mobile washing station for vehicles, tenant engagement programs, click and collect facility for mail and packages, raised floors for all rental areas and many more.
Vietnam Business Forum – Vol 13, NO 17 (1029), AUG 18-31, 2015, S.23-25
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