Application of Viglacera Energy-Saving Glass in the Headquarters of the Delegation of the National Assembly Deputies and the People’s Council of Hanoi City: Harmonizing Modern Architecture and Heritage
Located in the heart of Hanoi’s capital, the building constructed in the 1980s of the 20th century — the Headquarters of the Delegation of the National Assembly Deputies and the People’s Council of Hanoi City — has been renovated and given a new appearance, yet still remains harmonious within the old urban space of Hanoi. The building has comprehensively met the requirements of a new and modern function. Under the direction of Architect Lê Trương – Project Leader and Architect Nguyễn Thành Trung – Technical Director of TT-Associates, along with a team of architects and design engineers, a renovation solution was proposed, with particular attention given to the application of new technologies and materials for the building. Among these is the complete use of glass manufactured domestically by Viglacera, which has effectively met the requirements for energy saving, functionality, and aesthetics of the building.
The Headquarters of the Delegation of the National Assembly Deputies (ĐBQH) and the People’s Council (HĐND) of Hanoi City on Trần Nguyên Hãn Street is located in Hanoi’s old quarter – an area with many buildings of neoclassical, Indochinese, Art Deco styles, and the architecture of the 1980s.
With the assigned task, the team of authors from TTAs (in charge of architectural and interior design) and Coninco company (in charge of structural and MEP design) proposed a bold and thorough solution for a new, civilized appearance while creating functional spaces that meet the requirements of a public authority, yet remain friendly and approachable.
The design research process was carried out urgently, seriously, and scientifically to select an architectural “language” suitable for the harmony of solid and void proportions, materials, light, together with meticulous and sophisticated details, and elegant, refined colors.
To address both functional and aesthetic needs, the building selected domestically produced Viglacera energy-saving glass for all doors and exterior glass walls. The double-layer insulating glass system with acoustic and thermal insulation specifications has met the requirements of a building with a large exposure to solar radiation and urban traffic noise.
The tropical Low-E energy-saving glass product has a low solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC), SHGC for tropical Low-E ≤ 0.27, thus blocking more solar radiation energy and helping reduce cooling costs for the space. Not only does it block heat from the outside environment entering the inside, but tropical Low-E glass can also prevent internal heat from escaping, with a thermal transmittance coefficient U-value ≤ 1.4 (W/m2.K).
In addition, glare that causes discomfort for people working or living in the interior can occur if the glass wall system allows the full amount of sunlight to pass through, especially in a hot, sunny climate like ours. Currently, Viglacera’s tropical Low-E glass product line includes three types: Low E T30, Low E T40, and Low E T50 (in two colors: Neutral and Blue), corresponding to three levels of light transmittance: 30%, 40%, and 50%. These levels provide sufficient light to illuminate the interior, reduce lighting costs, while still preventing glare. The product is certified with EDP and LEED Silver.
For the Headquarters of the Delegation of the National Assembly Deputies and the People’s Council, the exterior façade using Viglacera’s domestically produced energy-saving glass has ensured aesthetics comparable to imported glass products. Furthermore, “Viglacera glass has the advantage of being domestically produced with high quality, so the cost of use is highly competitive. This is an important advantage when aiming to construct energy-saving, sustainable buildings at a reasonable cost,” shared Technical Director of TT-Associates, Architect Nguyễn Thành Trung.
With the trend of “Green Buildings” as well as the Government’s target of achieving Net Zero sustainable development before 2050, energy-saving glass is an indispensable product that provides microclimatic comfort and a good environment for users inside, while optimizing energy efficiency for building technical systems. “I believe that in the near future, the application of energy-saving glass will develop in accordance with the general conditions of social development as well as the construction industry in particular. With Viglacera’s energy-saving glass products, I believe there is great potential if current strengths are maintained and promoted,” said Mr. Nguyễn Thành Trung.
