[The Landmark Journey Of Bachy Soletanche Vietnam] Journey No. 5: Saigon Centre – An Architectural Landmark In The Heart Of District 1

 More than 30 years ago, when the concept of a “modern high-rise” was still unfamiliar to the people of Saigon, a pioneering project was launched right in the city center: Saigon Centre. In early autumn 1994, the Bachy Soletanche Vietnam team laid the very first foundation works for what was then one of the most advanced office towers in Ho Chi Minh City.

 

 

+ Construction period: 08/1994 – 02/1995

 7,480 m² diaphragm walls, 0.6 m thick, 40 m deep

 900 m² diaphragm walls, 1.0 m thick, 40 m deep

 46 barrette piles (ranging from 2.8 m to 6.0 m in length, 0.6 m to 1.2 m in width), up to 50 m deep

+ Scale: 25 above-ground floors + 3 basements

 

 For the first time in central Ho Chi Minh City, diaphragm walls reaching 40 m depth and massive barrette piles of 50 m were executed – providing the structural capacity for a 25-storey tower with 3 basements, a major challenge in the 1990s.

 Construction took place under heavy urban traffic conditions in the city’s busiest district, requiring advanced bentonite slurry control techniques to ensure absolute verticality of the barrette piles.

 This was also one of the pioneering projects in Vietnam applying international foundation standards, paving the way for a new era of high-rise construction in District 1.

 

 

Saigon Centre – Phase 1 not only laid the foundation for a modern commercial and office tower, but also became an architectural landmark of Saigon’s renovation era. The project affirmed Bachy Soletanche Vietnam’s pioneering expertise, marking the beginning of a long journey to conquer large-scale high-rise developments of international standards.

 

 This Journey No.5 only tells the story of Phase 1 – the very first 3-basement project executed by Bachy Soletanche Vietnam. Curious to learn how we continued with Saigon Centre Phase 2 & 3 using even more advanced technologies? Stay tuned for our upcoming journeys!

 

If you were standing today at the deepest basement of Saigon Centre, what would impress you the most: the scale of the project, the construction techniques, or its iconic architectural stature? Share your thoughts with us!