One Central Saigon (formerly known as Spirit of Saigon and One Central HCM) is a double-tower development in Ho Chi Minh City. The two towers of 48 and 55 floors are connected by a podium, and its central location opposite the Ben Thanh Market is set to make this development a defining landmark of the city.

The two towers feature a distinctive design of a cantilevered overhang at the top of each building representing dragon heads. Below each “head” is a cantilevered glass cube representing pearls in the mouth of the dragons.

The height of the two towers is 240 metres and 218 metres. By comparison, the nearby Bitexco Financial Tower is 264 metres, and Saigon Centre is 193 metres.

The project will host office space, a hotel, luxury apartments, and retail in the podium. The basement will be connected to the underground mall and walkway of the metro system. Ben Thanh station will eventually be a junction for three metro lines, making it one of the prime locations of the city.

One Central Saigon has been through years of delays since it was first proposed in 2010. Originally, the project was called “The One Ho Chi Minh City” before it was renamed to Spirit of Saigon. It was renamed One Central HCM in 2021. The Ritz-Carlton had originally signed on to be the signature hotel of the project. They had dropped out of the project, but now they are back as the hotel. The apartments will be branded under Masterise Homes.

Work was underway on the site in 2014, and the 6-level basement was completed in 2017. After that, the project stalled. In 2018, the investor Bitexco transferred it to a subsidiary, Saigon Glory. Work on the site resumed at the end of 2019 and stalled again. Work has since resumed in 2026.

Location

Address: 1 Pham Ngu Lao Street, Ben Thanh Ward, Ho Chi Minh City.

Block bounded by Tran Hung Dao, Pho Duc Chinh, Le Thi Hong Gam, and Calmette.

Links and Resources

Architect: Arquitectonica
Structural engineer: LERA
Engineering: DSA Engineers
News: skyscrapercity.com

News Archive

2026

Ritz-Carlton enters Vietnam’s luxury hotel race – [18/05/26]

Masterise revives decade-long half-finished towers in downtown Ho Chi Minh City – [13/05/26]

“It has launched One Central Saigon, a project once linked to imprisoned property tycoon Truong My Lan.”

Masterise Group launches One Central Saigon – Vietnam’s first mixed-use landmark destination – [13/05/26]

Press Release from Masterise Group. The project is now officially One Central Saigon:

“One Central Saigon will rise as two towers above a retail and commercial podium on an 8,537 sqm site, with 19,990 sqm of commercial space across seven above-ground levels and six basement floors. The retail centre is envisioned as a destination for luxury retail, curated services and fine dining, with brands and experiences selected for both international appeal and the evolving needs of Vietnamese customers. Its basement levels will connect directly to Ben Thanh Metro Station via an underground link, integrating the project with the city’s public transit network.

Together with Grade A+ offices, The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon and The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Saigon, the development forms a seamless mixed-use ecosystem for luxury living, hospitality, retail, business, services and lifestyle experiences at the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.”

Work restarts on long-stalled twin-tower project across Ben Thanh Market – [17/03/26]
“A twin-tower project across the landmark Ben Thanh Market in downtown HCMC has restarted construction after years in limbo, with completion expected in about 30 months.”

[One HCM construction (27/01/26)]

[Construction entrance (19/01/26)]

[One HCM construction (18/01/26)]

2025

HCM City moves to revive two long-stalled downtown mega projects – [15/11/25]
“The city has recently approved adjustments to the project, including a 48-month extension to its construction timeline and partial legal clearance for transfer of ownership, paving the way for potential resumption.”

2024

Mammoth project in Ho Chi Minh City’s Ben Thanh quadrangle transferred to Hanoi-based property firm – [21/10/24]
“Bitexco Group officially transferred all of its stakes in Saigon Glory, the developer of the big-ticket One Central HCM project situated in the Ben Thanh quadrangle, to a real estate company in Hanoi at the beginning of October.”

Truong My Lan’s $632M payment ‘legitimate’, Bitexco Group tells court – [10/10/24]
“Investigators found that in 2018 Bitexco agreed to sell a property project called The Spirit of Saigon in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1 to Truong My Lan’s company Van Thinh Phat Group at the price tag of VND22 trillion.”

Hanoi developer takes over delayed mega project in downtown HCMC – [28/09/24]
“Eastern Hanoi Real Estate Co., Ltd, the new owner of the project, was established on May 23, 2019, with a charter capital of VND517 billion ($21 million). Its initial shareholders were Eastern Real Estate Investment and Trading LLC (50%) and Pham Quoc Nhat (50%). Nhat, 58, also served as its legal representative and CEO.”

Bitexco Group to transfer stake at Saigon Glory for bond repayment – [27/09/24]
“Bitexco Group has reached an agreement to transfer its 100 per cent stake in Saigon Glory, the developer of the luxury One Central HCM twin towers in central HCM City, to Eastern Hanoi Real Estate Company Limited.”

The Spirit of Saigon 500 million USD changes hands: Who is the Hanoi tycoon who took over the super project? – [26/09/24]

2023

Bitexco subsidiary reports $6M loss for 2022 – [04/06/23]
“Property developer Saigon Glory, a subsidiary of Bitexco Group, reported a loss of VND152 billion (US$6.47 million) for last year.

The company, which is building the 8,600-square-meter One Central HCM twin towers in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 1, has a debt obligation of over VND27.3 trillion, 36% of them being bonds.”

2021

[Construction view from Ben Thanh Market – 18/06/2021.]

[Construction view from Tran Hung Dao – 18/06/2021.]

[Construction view from Ben Thanh Market – 31/05/2021.]

[Construction view from Tran Hung Dao – 26/05/2021.]

[Construction – 22/04/2021.]

Renovation plan proposed for HCMC museum – [22/03/21]
“According to the museum, after construction of a commercial skyscraper began next door in 2012, three of its buildings have subsided and suffered cracks to their walls and floors.”

[Name change to One Central HCM – 19/03/2021.]

[Ritz-Carlton – 11/03/2021.]

[Ritz-Carlton and Masterise Homes sign – 11/03/2021.]

[Removing podium scaffolding – 30/01/2021.]

[Podium side view – 30/01/2021.]

[Concreting – 29/01/2021.]

[Construction – 28/01/2021.]

[Construction – 12/01/2021.]

2020

[Concreting night – 04/12/20.]

[Museum and Spirit of Saigon – 29/09/2020.]

Saigon skyscraper investor submits museum repair plan – [26/09/20]

HCMC museum’s century-old buildings face threat from skyscraper construction – [22/09/20]

[Construction – 06/08/2020.]

[Construction – 07/06/2020.]

[Construction – 23/04/2020.]

[Construction – 23/04/2020.]

The Spirit of Saigon sees signs of progress after long delay – [18/03/20]

[Construction – 15/03/2020.]

[Construction – 15/03/2020.]

2019

Coteccons starts construction the superstructure of Spirit of Saigon project – [14/10/19]
Coteccons are building the 10 podium floors of the project.

2017

[Abandoned Spirit Of Saigon site.]

2016

[Basement construction – 13/11/2016.]

2012

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. announces first hotel in Vietnam, with development of The Ritz-Carlton, Saigon – [July, 2012]

Thu Thiem Eco Smart City is one of the major riverside developments the Thu Thiem new Urban Area in Ho Chi Minh City. With its prime location opposite District 1, this project is set to become a prominent landmark of the Saigon River waterfront.

The project is being developed by the Lotte Group from South Korea, and originally the title of the project was Lotte Eco Smart City.

Initially proposed in 2007, the project has been mired in delays and controversies. One of the major causes of the delay has been to do with land clearance of the proposed development area. While most of the former Thu Thiem village has been cleared, the government could not come to an agreement with the Thu Thiem Parish Church. The church compound sits on the riverfront section of the plots designated for the Lotte development area.

[Thu Thiem Church and the Empire City site under construction.]

After nearly a decade of deadlock, the government decided that the church would stay. With this news, Lotte’s previous plan had to be redrawn. The land allocated to Lotte was reduced from 10 lots down to 6, with the 4 reduced lots being the riverfront land.

Delays were further compounded by confusion over the planning map of Thu Thiem, which had apparently gone missing.

Construction for Thu Thiem Eco Smart City broke ground on 2 September 2022, attended by Lotte Group Chairman Shin Dong-bin.

Official Websites

Lotte Construction Management Division

Thu Thiem Eco Smart City Location

[Map of Thu Thiem Eco Smart City.]

Address: 2-5 Dai Lo Vong Cung, Thu Thiem, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City.

Transport and pedestrian access

Thu Thiem Eco Smart City will be the site of a metro station for the future Line 2 extension from Ben Thanh to Thu Thiem Central Station. The northern boundary of the site is Thu Thiem Square, where a new pedestrian bridge will connect District 1. This central location will make it one of the most sought-after addresses in the city.

Photos

2022

Photos from 12 June 2022.

News Archive

2026

Phat Dat Real Estate shares hit ceiling after tie-up with Lotte on mega project in HCMC – [26/05/26]

“Shares of Phat Dat Real Estate Development Corporation (HoSE: PDR) rose to the daily limit on Tuesday after the company announced a cooperation agreement with Lotte Properties HCM to pursue the VND50 trillion ($1.9 billion) Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project in Ho Chi Minh City.”

After being “suspended” for 8 years, the Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project has revealed three new investors. – [12/02/26]

HCMC weighs approval for Lotte to transfer stake in Thu Thiem – [11/02/26]

“Ho Chi Minh City is considering allowing Lotte to sell up to a 35 percent stake to external investors to help speed up the long-delayed Eco Smart City project in Thu Thiem.”

2025

Lotte’s Eco Smart City project might restart thanks to Ho Chi Minh City support – [04/10/25]

Lotte signals intent to exit $762mn Vietnam smart city project, no formal withdrawal yet – [20/09/25]

Lotte to ‘terminate’ Eco Smart City project in HCMC – [19/09/25]
“Lotte Properties HCMC Co., Ltd. has sent a document to Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Finance announcing the termination of its $900 million Lotte Eco Smart City project in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area.”

Lotte suspends complex project worth 1 trillion won in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – [24/08/25]
“An official from Lotte Group explained, “We decided to suspend the business due to the deterioration of business feasibility, such as a significant increase in costs due to the delay in the approval process.””

Authorities vow to iron out persistent delays – [03/01/25]
“Ho Chi Minh City leaders in particular have spent the last few months attempting to unclog delayed ventures. Lotte Group’s billion-dollar Lotte Eco Smart City Thu Thiem has been at a standstill for two years, but Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee believes it to be an “outstanding case” which needs to be resolved immediately.

“It is necessary to soon remove obstacles for large-scale projects, such as Lotte’s, to both increase the city budget and the supply of new products to the market,” committee Chairman Phan Van Mai said during a regular meeting held in October.

It was agreed that Lotte Group will have to pay around $635 million in land use fees in the fourth quarter as estimated by the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Natural Resources and Environment”

2024

Lotte Group’s land use fees for HCMC project estimated at $633 mln – [24/10/24]
“South Korea’s Lotte Group will have to pay VND16 trillion ($633.3 million) in land use fees in the fourth quarter of 2024 as estimated by the HCMC Department of Natural Resources and Environment (DoNRE).”

HCMC okays design for commercial center within $900 mln Lotte project – [12/09/24]
“Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Planning and Architecture has approved the design for a commercial center within South Korean conglomerate Lotte’s $900-million Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project.”

[Winning design for a commercial center within the Lotte Eco Smart City under construction in Thu Thiem urban area, Thu Duc city, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of HCMC Department of Planning and Architecture.]

Lotte Group resume $900 million Eco Smart City project in Vietnam next month – [03/07/24]

2022

Lotte makes fresh Vietnam start after China exit and ‘5 lost years’ – [07/09/22]
“$900m shopping center paves way for No. 3 market after South Korea and Japan.”

Lotte to invest $900 mn in Vietnam smart city project – [05/09/22]
“Lotte on Sunday unveiled a project to build a 60-story shopping mall, offices and others on 50,000 square meters of land in Ho Chi Minh City with the group’s smart technologies and retail know-how.”

[Lotte’s planned smart city in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam (File photo, Courtesy of Lotte).]

Lotte breaks ground on Eco Smart City project in Vietnam – [04/09/22]
“The Thu Thiem Eco Smart City is a $900-million project that involves constructing a complex of buildings, including a shopping mall, multiple office spaces, a hotel, a cinema and apartment buildings in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Lotte Group to build eco smart city, logistics center in Vietnam – [04/09/22]
“Under the $900 million Thu Tiem Eco Smart City project, the company plans to construct a 60-story building, with another five floors underground, comprising a shopping mall, cinema, office space, hotel, residences and apartments in Ho Chi Minh City.”

S.Korea’s Lotte Group kicks off $857mn complex project in Ho Chi Minh City – [03/09/22]
“South Korean multinational conglomerate Lotte Group has broken ground for its Lotte Eco Smart City smart complex project in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area in Ho Chi Minh City, with an investment of over US$857 million.”

$856-mln Korean-invested complex breaks ground in HCMC urban area – [02/09/22]

Lotte’s Shin Dong-bin visiting Vietnam to attend groundbreaking – [22/08/22]
“Shin, who is currently in Japan, will depart for Vietnam at the end of this month to attend a groundbreaking ceremony set for Sept. 2. The Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project is led by Lotte E&C in Ho Chi Minh City.”

Lotte E&C to successfully complete Thu Thiem Eco-Smart City project in Vietnam – [27/06/22]
“Will build a smart complex worth about US$900 million in the Thu Thiem District of Ho Chi Minh City.”

Lotte E&C promotes 1 trillion won worth of development project in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam – [16/05/22]
“Lotte Engineering & Construction (Lotte E&C), South Korea’s construction engineering company, announced today that it will promote the “Thu Thiem Eco-Smart City Project” in cooperation with Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.”

2021

Thu Thiem Eco Smart City expected to become prominent landmark of Asia – [03/03/21]
“Lotte Properties Thu Thiem’s leadership is committed to building the Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project into a prominent landmark of Ho Chi Minh City and Asia, Lee Kang Woo, General Manager of Lotte Properties Thu Thiem, told Minister and Chairman of the Government Office Mai Tien Dung at a meeting on March 3 in Hanoi.”

2020

Go-ahead given for Lotte eco-smart city – [29/07/20]
“The green light has been given for the continuation of a $900-million eco-smart city invested by a consortium of Lotte Group affiliates, which had been delayed for more than three years.”

2019

HCMC church recognized as historic relic – [29/12/19]
“Ho Chi Minh City authorities have conferred the status of historic relic on the Congregation of the Holy Cross Lovers and Thu Thiem Church in District 2.”

Ho Chi Minh City green-lights Lotte Eco-smart City – [16/09/19]
Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee will propose Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc to permit Korea’s Lotte Group to continue its Eco-smart City located in Thu Thiem New Urban Area.

In 2018, Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee asked for the PM’s permission to scale down Lotte’s Eco-smart City from 10 to six land plots, citing difficulties in site clearance and compensation as grounds.

2018

[An earlier version of the final design of Thu Thiem Eco Smart City.]

Lotte promises best places to live in Viet Nam – [05/12/18]
“The smart city projects will improve people’s living standards by providing them with access to spearhead technologies including Internet of Things (IoT), open platforms, cloud computing and environmental friendliness”.

Sisters in Vietnam refuse government order to turn over convent lands – [04/06/18]

​Korea’s Lotte to build $884mn complex in Ho Chi Minh City this year – [18/04/18]

– “Lotte wants to construct an iconic tower in the Thu Thiem New Urban Area, the CEO asserted, adding that the smart complex would boast a modern design and function with smart and cutting-edge technology.”

– “The construction will take approximately 72 months to complete.” – 6 years.

2017

[A version of Lotte Eco Smart City with 10 lots.]

Lotte to develop $885mn smart city in Saigon – [26/07/17]

Lotte signs contract to build $884 million Eco-Smart City – [26/07/17]
“The 74,000-square metre site will incorporate a shopping mall, offices, hotels, serviced residences, and apartments. The 11 residential towers, 15-40 storeys each, covering 50,000sq.m, will be built first.”

2016

$2.2 billion Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project to kick off in July – [18/04/16]
“The construction of the $2.2 billion Thu Thiem Eco Smart City project in Ho Chi Minh City’s Thu Thiem New Urban Area, which is invested in by a joint venture between Lotte Group’s subsidiaries and Japanese enterprises, is expected to start in July”.

2015

$2bn Thu Thiem Eco Smart City set to break ground this year – [08/07/15]

Lotte, Japanese partners to develop $2bn Eco Smart City in Vietnam – [05/03/15]

2009

Diocese will move neither the church, nor the sisters of Thu Thiem – [18/08/09]

2007

Lotte Group lifts curtain on $2bn development – [13/11/07]

Cloud 11 is a mixed-use development on Sukhumvit Road in Bangkok that is being styled as a creator economy hub. The complex is comprised of four towers on top of a mega podium that will include an elevated urban garden.

Cloud 11 is opposite True Digital Park, and this area in Phra Khanong is being promoted as a digital innovation district.

Location

Location: 888 Sukhumvit Rd, Phra Khanong, Bangkok, Thailand.

[Map of Cloud 11 Bangkok.]

Cloud 11 is 450 metres from Punnawithi BTS Station and 500 metres from Udom Suk BTS Station. It is being marketed as the “South Sukhumvit Innovation District”, though there is no district called South Sukhumvit.

Official Links and Resources

Official website: cloud11bangkok.com.

News: skyscrapercity.com

Landscape Architecture: Snøhetta – Cloud 11 Thailand’s largest elevated urban garden.

Project Images

Photos

2025

Photos from site visit in January 2025.

[Cloud 11 opposite Sukhumvit 101/1.]

[Sukhumvit 66]

[Cloud 11 viewed from Sukhumvit 66.]

[Cloud 11 construction entrance.]

[Cloud 11 construction.]

[Canal next to Cloud 11.]

2024

Photos from site visit, 9 January 2024.

[Cloud 11 view from Udom Suk BTS.]

[Cloud 11 view from Sukhumvit 66.]

[Canal at Sukhumvit 66 behind Cloud 11.]

[Cloud 11 construction on Sukhumvit Road.]

[Cloud 11 construction.]

[Cloud 11 construction.]

[Cloud 11 construction gate.]

[Cloud 11 construction viewed from BTS walkway.]

News Archive

2025

Thailand completes largest elevated creative park – [02/12/25]
“The 250,000m2 mixed-use urban regeneration project, Cloud 11, has been built in the South Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Thailand.”

2024

Cloud 11 secures funding from Bangkok Bank
to open as Asia’s largest creator hub in 2025 – [16/10/24]
“Cloud 11, the forthcoming 10.6-acre creator hub on Sukhumvit, developed by leading developer MQDC, has secured project financing and is on track to open in 2025.”

2023

MQDC unveils Cloud 11 as Asia’s largest hub for content creators with “empowering creators” concept (Sponsored Content) – [15/03/23]

Peninsula Bay is a mixed-use development in Sihanoukville, Cambodia. The project is being built on the peninsula in the city centre between Sokha and Ochheuteal Beach. The formerly rocky and tree-covered peninsula has been levelled to make room for the development.

The project covers approximately 160,000sqm and it includes a five-star hotel, casino, shopping mall, office buildings, and serviced apartments.

Entertainment facilities include an aquarium, water theme park, KTV lounges, and wellness centres.

The complex includes a bar street and sea-front shops for restaurants and cafes.

Peninsula Bay map

View map of Peninsula Bay.

Peninsula Bay links and resources

Developers: Luxury Business Group (LBG), MAD, and Peninsula Bay Investment Co.
Official website: peninsulabay-resorts.com
Architect: A Design Concept (HK).

Peninsula Bay images

[Peninsula Bay watershow feature]

[Peninsula Bay sea view.]

[Peninsula Bay waterpark (concept by icm-corp.com.]

[Peninsula Bay hotel tower]

[Peninsula Bay office tower]

[Peninsula Bay serviced apartments]

[Peninsula Bay shopping]

News archive

2025

Local authorities back $527M 5-star hotel and commercial centre project in Preah Sihanouk – [03/03/25]

Development of Sihanoukville’s massive resort on track, high attention on wastewater management – [06/01/25]
“The development of a massive integrated entertainment resort in Preah Sihanouk province is progressing well; meanwhile, the provincial administration advises special attention to wastewater management for sustainable business.”

2024

Peninsula Bay Project aims to boost luxury and retail tourism in Cambodia – [15/11/24]
“A mixed-use development, The Peninsula Bay Project, is being developed with the aim of putting Sihanoukville, Cambodia, on the map as Southeast Asia’s luxury tourism and retail destination.”

Thai Boon Roong Kampot Building is a two-tower development in Kampot, Cambodia. The project occupies an entire city block on the riverfront, next to the old bridge (Entanou Bridge).

The two towers will be apartments, with the back tower slightly higher and it is reported to be 36 floors high. The podium will include a shopping mall, entertainment centre, and restaurants.

Thai Boon Roong Kampot Building Map

Thai Boon Roong Kampot Building is on Street No. 735 (which runs along the east bank of the Praek Tuek Chhu River) and Street No. 700 (at the entrance to the old bridge).

[Map of Thai Boon Roong Kampot Building.]

[Thai Boon Roong Kampot Building on Street No. 735.]

Links And Resources

Developers: Thai Boon Roong Group and Baye of China.
News: skyscrapercity.com.

Thai Boon Roong Kampot Building Images

Thai Boon Roong Kampot Building Construction Photos

Photos from my visit in December 2024.

Photos from my visit in January 2022.

Nobu Hotel Danang is set to become the first Nobu Hotel, Restaurant, and Residences in Vietnam. The hotel site is on the corner of Vo Nguyen Giap and Vo Van Kiet, opposite My Khe Beach. The hotel will be in a 43-story tower, and the official website says it will be the tallest building in the city.

The hotel will offer 200 guest rooms (including 18 suites), meeting and event space, and a wellness and fitness facility. There will be 271 residential units offering 1, 2, and 3-bedroom configurations, and 2 skyline penthouse units.

Nobu Hospitality, LLC is an American company founded by Nobu Matsuhisa, Robert De Niro, and Meir Teper in partnerships with Drew Nieporent as an Operator with Myriad Restaurant Group.

Nobu Hotel Danang map

[Map of Nobu Hotel Danang.]

Links and resources

Website: nobuhotels.com
Developer: Viet Capital Real Estate (VCRE)

Images

Photos

2023

Photos from 22 June 2023.

[Nobu Matsuhisa and Robert De Niro.]

[Developed by Viet Capital Real Estate.]

[Nobu site next to Stella Maris Hotel.]

[Stella Maris and Nobu site.]

[Nobu Hotel at corner of Vo Nguyen Giap and Vo Van Kiet, Danang.]

[Lang Ong Temple opposite Nobu Hotel.]

News

2025

Nobu Danang unveils branded studio and one-bedroom residences – [04/08/25]

2023

VCRE and Nobu Hospitality to enhance the Danang lifestyle – [29/04/23]
“Viet Capital Real Estate (VCRE) and Nobu Hospitality, a world-renowned luxury lifestyle icon, have officially announced a strategic partnership.”

VCRE, Nobu Hospitality to develop project in Danang – [25/04/23]

2022

A Nobu hotel is coming to Vietnam – [10/08/22]
“Nobu Hospitality is expanding into Vietnam, planning to open the Nobu Danang in 2025.”

Sun Cosmo Residence Da Nang is a combination of high-rise apartment tower and commercial townhouses developed by Sun Group next to the Trần Thị Lý Bridge.

Apartment Sun Cosmo Residence
2 towers: 27 and 33 floors
Basement: 3 floors
650 luxury apartments, Studio, 1-2-3 Bedroom, Duplex
38 base block shop apartments

Commercial Townhouse
101 unites, 6-7 floors

Street Villa
43 units, 3 floors

Sun Cosmo Residence Da Nang map

[Map of Sun Cosmo Residence Da Nang.]

Links and resources

Investor: Sun Property – Sun Group member
Location: Tran Thi Ly Street, North Phu My, Q. Ngu Hanh Son, Tp. Danang
Design advice: Aedas

Website: suncosmo.vn

Images

[Sun Cosmo Residence Da Nang.]

[Sun Cosmo Residence Da Nang and Tran Thi Ly Bridge.]

[Sun Cosmo Residence Da Nang shops.]

Photos

2024

Photos from 6 April 2024.

2023

Photos from 22 June 2023.

Casamia Hoi An is a villa and marina development in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest of Cam Thanh Commune in Hoi An.

The Casamia project features villas surrounded by the waterways of the coconut forest. Facilities include a clubhouse, outdoor pool, central green park, bars, restaurants, and gym. Each villa has its own marina that is connected to the canal system.

The project was previously referred to as Casamia Balanca Hoi An with the website casamiabalancahoian.vn.

Casamia Hoi An map

[map of Casamia Hoi An.]

Links and resources

Website: casamiahoian.vn
Architect: VTN Architects

Images

Photos

2023

News

2021

VTN designs 9-meter-tall vaulted bamboo ceiling for casamia community house in Vietnam – [26/07/21]
“VTN architects has completed ‘casamia community house’ in the coastal area of cam thanh in vietnam. the building features a large thatched roof and a vaulted bamboo ceiling inspired by nipa palms, a native plant species found in cam than.”

Newtown Diamond is an apartment development by the sea in South Da Nang, on the road to Hoi An. The project feature 3 x 36-floor towers in the northernmost corner of the BRG Danang Golf Resort.

The project (formerly BRG Danang Beach Plaza and then Da Nang Diamond Residence) is opposite the Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center and diagonally opposite South Beach Danang.

Newtown Diamond map

Location: Corner Truong Sa and An Nong, Ngu Hanh Son, Da Nang, Vietnam.

[Map of Newtown Diamond Residence.]

Links and resources

Official website: newtowndiamond.vn

Photos

2025

Photos from my visit on 17 April 2025.

2024

Photos from my visit on 1 November 2024.

Photos from my visit on 7 April 2024.

2023

Photos from my site visit on 20 April 2023 when the project was known as BRG Danang Beach Plaza.

[BRG Danang Beach Plaza at the corner of Truong Sa and An Nong.]

[BRG Danang Beach Plaza.]

[BRG Danang Beach Plaza.]

[Taste the tropical flavour of Danang Beach Plaza.]

[BRG Danang Beach Plaza diagonally opposite South Beach Da Nang.]

[Construction site of BRG Danang Beach Plaza.]

[Construction details of BRG Danang Beach Plaza.]

Adaptive reuse is when an existing building is reused for a purpose other than which it was originally built for. A typical example is an old warehouse that is turned into an art centre.

Adaptive reuse is often associated with urban regeneration projects, where a redundant historic building becomes the centrepiece of the revitalised area.

Reusing old buildings is a way of preserving historical buildings that no longer serve their original purpose. Prolonging a building’s life has the added benefit of being a more sustainable form of development, saving the environmental cost of demolishing and rebuilding with new materials.

The repurposing of old structures is not restricted to historic buildings. An obsolete office tower could be stripped down to its concrete shell and turned into apartments. This is something more cities will be facing as remote working makes office buildings redundant

Adaptive reuse is common in Europe, where cities have buildings spanning centuries to work with. Old docks such as in Hamburg and Liverpool are two classic examples. A church turned into a bookstore is another.

In North America, historic warehouses that survived the post-war demolition mania are now coveted buildings. The phrase “New York Loft” has entered the lexicon of real estate agents around the world to describe an industrial building that has been turned into a residential space.

In Australia, the government has published a guide on adaptive reuse, which highlights the environmental, social and economic benefits of the adaptive reuse of historic buildings.

So how does Southeast Asia compare with adaptive reuse?

Adaptive reuse in Southeast Asia

The concept of adaptive reuse is not as widespread in Southeast Asia, and I have seen historic buildings get demolished during my time in the region. I saw the destruction of the historic Ba Son Shipyard, I’ve lamented the loss of the fabulous 1960s hotels of Bangkok, and I’m still mad about the demolition of the Scala Theatre.

[Dusit Thani Hotel in Bangkok, demolished in 2020.]

There are some positive signs though that the concept is catching on. This is a list of some examples of adaptive reuse in Southeast Asia. This will be an ongoing archive of examples, so feel free to send in an example to add to the list.

To qualify as adaptive reuse, a building has to be converted into use other than its original purpose. So a historic mansion that is just a restored mansion doesn’t count, or a renovated shophouse doesn’t count either.

Cambodia

Factory Phnom Penh

Factory Phnom Penh is a good example of an unremarkable warehouse site being repurposed into a vibrant mixed-use IT and creative hub.

This was a garment factory from the 60s that has been converted into a space for cultural events, cafés, and offices.

The project was designed by local architect Bloom Architecture.

Factory Phnom Penh news
New Phnom Penh space is no ordinary factory – [02/05/18]

Phum Sambo Cafe & Eatery

[Phum Sambo Cafe & Eatery (photo via designboom).]

Phum Sambo Cafe & Eatery is a contemporary garden-style cafe and eatery in Phnom Penh, offering locally sourced Khmer food and Western brunch. The cafe is set in an unfinished concrete structure.

Malaysia

REXKL – Kuala Lumpur

REXKL turned the Rex Theatre on Jalan Sultan into a community and cultural hub. The former theatre has become a space for exhibitions and events, and it includes a food court and cafe. On the top floor is a bookstore that overlooks the theatre area.

If you care about the fate of old theatres, then follow The Southeast Asia Movie Theater Project.

Singapore

The Warehouse Hotel

The Warehouse Hotel is a 19th-century spice warehouse on the Singapore River that has been converted into a boutique hotel.

Design by local firms Asylum and Zarch Collaboratives.

The Warehouse Hotel news
Singapore’s The Warehouse Hotel creates a “distinctly local experience” – [06/04/18]

Singapore news

Tearing down Singapore’s love of brand-new buildings – [01/12/23]
“To place the Republic’s built environment on a more sustainable footing, developers need to turn away from demolishing and rebuilding, and move instead to adaptive reuse.”

Thailand

Asiatique The Riverfront – Bangkok

Asiatique The Riverfront is an open-air market and mall at the former docks of the East Asiatic Company.

Warehouse 30 – Bangkok

Warehouse 30 is a former warehouse that has been turned into an art, lifestyle, and creative space. The old warehouse is in Bangrak district between Charoenkrung Road and the Chao Phraya River. This area is rich with history from when the river was the main port of the city.

From the Warehouse 30 website:
“The inside of the renovated Warehouse 30 is full of shops, cafés, restaurants, and galleries, which is a far cry from all the machinery and locomotive parts of the past. Duangrit Bunnag restored the outside of the building, so it would not lose any of its appeal. He also left much of the inside unchanged, except for the few scenarios where the interior needed to be adapted to fit the requirements of the tenants. The one thing that was not negotiable on the inside was the original wooden floors. Those needed to stay to retain the old warehouse feel.”

[Art gallery at Warehouse 30 with old wooden floorboards.]

Siriraj Museum And Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum – Bangkok

[Siriraj Museum And Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum (image by TAT).]

As much as it pains me to lose a train station, at least they found a use for this lovely old building. The Bangkok Noi railway station is now part of the Siriraj Bimuksthan Museum.

Further reading about adaptive reuse in Thailand

The real value of city’s architectural heritage – [20/02/23]
“Repurposing old buildings for new uses can be as profitable as the endeavour is noble.”

Vietnam

The Cocoa Project – Ho Chi Minh City

The Cocoa Project is a former modernist villa from the ’50s that has been converted into a cafe. There are hundreds (perhaps thousands) of these houses across the city that flourished during the Southern Vietnamese Modernist era. Most of them are showing their age and are usually demolished and replaced with a new building.

Local architects T3 Architects kept to the ethos of adaptive reuse by reusing as many materials as possible. From their website:

“T3 intention was to make this project as sustainable as possible, first by preserving the main structure of the existing buildings (always better than demolishing and rebuild). Then, we have reduced the number of new materials as much as possible. All of them are sourced and produced in Vietnam, to avoid unnecessary transportation costs and pollution. Finally, T3 specified natural or low carbon materials as much as possible to ensure a proper air quality (zero chemical): non cooked local cement tiles, solid wood for all furniture, knowing that a large part are antic furniture, lime painting, etc. The bar counter and mirror frames have been tailor-made by T3, using materials composed by recycled tetra packs & plastic produced by our friends from Plastic People.”

The cafe has been featured in ArchDaily.

3A Station (closed) – Ho Chi Minh City

3A Station (Alternative Art Area) was located in 3A Ton Duc Thang in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City. The old warehouses were converted into galleries, independent shops, and cafes. The site was originally used by government intelligence agencies during and after the war.

In keeping with the theme of its name, after a 3-year run the site was closed down and handed over to developers.

Further reading about adaptive reuse in Vietnam

Industrial heritage reconstructed in creative cultural spaces – [31/10/22]
“With the decision to relocate nine old factories and industrial facilities out of the inner city, Hanoi has been witnessing an opportunity to develop and expand cultural spaces, art and creative centres towards the promotion of cultural industry through the reconstruction of industrial heritages.”