Environmental conditions with high humidity and temperature, and with the high air pollution caused by the large population as well as industrialized production of Vietnam, were inherently a major challenge for the projects. Especially, when it comes to the harsh marine environment of our country with the coastline up to 3,260 km long, the challenges for architects and investors when building constructions here are worth to pay attention to. Architect Tien Vu, CEO of EOS Architecture has shared with us about the difficulties and solutions for this issue.

In terms of design consideration for severe environment, I would say one of the key things is the level of specification. In Vietnam, it tends to be a culture of substitution on projects where a similar material might be proposed. It might work the same but the performance, quality may not be the same. So, really, one of the main challenges is getting right specification.

I’d say the other big thing, especially for young architects, is to understand the importance of good detailed industrial situations. That means the level of specification to assure that can be easy to maintain, easy to wash so that you don’t get issues of dirt and flexible dismantling. Besides, you are to understand material capability, which means that if you have different materials, you have to understand the corrosive nature of each material and whether it is appropriate to put them together or you need to separate them. And then fix the durability of cladding and durability of project.

I guess when it comes down to specify materials in harsh environment, the key thing is to understand what is in the environmental exposure zone. I’ve taken many countries’, they have specific standards which indicate what area, different exposure zones and based on that you can select manufactured products accordingly. But, in Vietnam, I have not seen any specific standards for the above specific environment. So, then I rely on adjustment which comes from experience and also manufacturer literature.

Key criteria when specifying a product for high corrosion zone, fit for my desired durability. So, what is basic material? What’s the coating? Are the materials and their sources reliable? Their product is tested in the market and the verification results? Besides, long warranty period and the reliability of the warranty are the key to scrutinize, because I think it’s easy to give the warranty but has the company been around for a long time? Additionally, the commitment to continuous innovation from the manufacturer is also paid attention. Science is growing, manufacturers are always researching and improving to produce new materials with superior quality to meet the needs of the market.

I has specified BlueScope products overseas, and I also often choose to use BlueScope on my projects in Vietnam, because of the company’s reliability and materials. I also know that they do extensive research and development. Recently, I knew that BlueScope has just been launched new material integrated Activate™ technology after 20 years of R&D. It sounds very interesting with superior corrosion resistance, and increase the durability of the product. That’s something that other competitors so far haven’t produced from what I’ve seen.

I’d say that traditionally with steel roofing and cladding, in affected locations such as drilling, cutting, it is more likely to oxidize than other places, leading to rapid corrosion. Activate™ technology with the unique composition and microstructure of the 4 phases create a self-sealing effect that greatly improves corrosion resistance at cut edges, screw holes, and scratches, which is quite an interesting development.

The interesting thing for me is that Activate™ technology offers longer warranty periods of up to 36 years. This is the first-time warranties are also applicable to projects close to the marine environments. So that, it means peace of mind to specify products when they put in projects will last longer.

I would say safely the fact that the warranty has been extended to 36 years of BlueScope’ product is a very attractive proposition for both architects and owners because that is one of the many factors when specifying and selecting materials for projects. From architects, long warranty period gives you peace of mind when specifying for projects. And from owners, it’s very important, owner can save a lot of money when you have a product which needs to be maintained the least, needs to be replaced the least during life cycle of the building and give you peace of mind for the long term projects.

As I mentioned above, the number of years of warranty always associated with the reputation of the manufacturing brand will bring the highest peace of mind for both architects and investors.

In terms of considerations for design and for selecting materials, one thing that comes to mind now is sustainability. I think it’s on the mind of many people, designers and owners alike. When we specify, we are always interested in the factors affecting project life cycle. What that means is not just the initial costs but the cost of material through the life of the project. How often it has to be replaced. How easy it is to replace. Can it be recycled? The environmental impact of specified material. That becomes very important especially when you perform a project pitch which requires environmental certification.

In my opinion, Activate™ technology is a good solution for sustainable projects because obviously, the longer the component can last, the more value it has to the owner and the quality of the project. I think the fact that, for your products, the ability to have products which have recycle content is also very attractive in terms of trying to achieve, acquire for sustainable accreditation.