Huy Hoang Lock Factory | Baumschlager Eberle Architekten

Huy Hoang Lock Factory is located in Quang Minh Industrial Zone which measures three square hectares and is about 20 km away from Hanoi. The complex factory which produces - as the name says master key systems -includes three buildings: two of them are rather simple boxes. The new factory was built with the expectation to become the symbol of the innovation and stable development throughout 40 years of Huy Hoang. The expectation was put into practice by not only getting the Gold Leed Construction in the designing process but also getting the GOLD LEED operation in manufacturing. The construction of the building was designed by Core and Shell structure to create the open space inside the building. But that's not all, an architecture was developed that complements the existing area and, above all, is precisely tailored to the climate, so that the form is derived from the reflection of climatic conditions.

Hanoi is quite typical for the Northern climate with the characteristics of a humid tropical monsoon climate, hot summer, heavy rain and cold winter with little rain. Located in the tropics, Hanoi receives an abundant amount of solar radiation and high temperature all year round. To solve this problem, the facade system consists of concrete lam elements that are arranged differently in density and opening angle. On the south and southeast verticals, the opening angle of the lam is extended up to 90 degrees to catch the sun and wind. Opening angles of more than 90 degrees and high densities are applied to the Northern facade system in order to reduce winter winds from the North. The sharp opening angle and the highest lam density are applied to the Western facade system to limit the amount of thermal radiation. The facade system helps the building create its own shadow to cool the building, protect it during rainy seasons, and provide natural ventilation.

Reflecting on climatic conditions is not just a utilitarian intention. It generates architectural added value. An added value that has a lot to do with the elementary nature of the medium, such as rhythm, change, authenticity of the materials and, above all, durability. The message of architecture is clearly defined here near Hanoi; it is about the cultural aspirations of industrial buildings and their appropriateness in the context of the location. The building opens up to those arriving and changes - due to the climate - to those moving around the site.

This is a factory complex designed as an open campus where public space is the top priority. The operating building is designed with open spaces, including exhibition, training spaces, and offices. The main hall is designed as a museum where visitors to the factory can explore artifacts, learn about the development history of the corporation, or simply get lost in the gallery to observe details as well as the process of creating the factory’s products.

The restaurant / canteen is used for guests, factory workers, and office staff and filters light through the facade system. Indeed, the building is designed and built to serve the community and users well, so it will stand the test of time.

Photography: Triệu Chiến