InnovatIve InterIors
More than just aesthetically arresting, the Unilever Homebase is
the first commercial office space in vietnam to be designed and
built to Green star environmental standards. Low-voC (volatile
organic Compounds) materials are used throughout, each
floor has a recycling centre and lighting systems respond to
natural lighting.
While designing around its green features was not an issue,
the key challenge was to create a sense of community across
large floor spaces and emphasise the connectivity between the
different areas and levels.
structurally, Levels 1 and 2 are taken up by staff. the ground
floor is a range of interactive spaces so that staff can see
their products on display as well as have visitors experience
them. these areas include hair and beauty salons, consumer
kitchens, a demonstrative kitchen, a focus group room, sensory
areas and a conference centre. Level 3 is reserved for staff-
support facilities including a canteen with a large outdoor
terrace area, medical and dental clinics, research facilities as
well as a gym.
the design team, headed by Managing Director and Co-Founder,
andrew Currie, adopted a fluid yet practical approach to meet
requirements. Introducing atria and inter-floor stairs within the
voids immediately addressed the issue of connectivity. to foster
greater staff interactivity, the designers also came up with two
“central marketplaces” that act as communal hot spots for
staff to meet for coffee, celebrate an occasion, or simply to
gather. the marketplace on Level 1 is inspired by vietnam’s
traditional markets, while the other on Level 2 is modelled after
the more international-style cafés found in the country’s cities.
as a foil to the buzz of the marketplaces, each floor features
several breakout spaces or retreats themed after places
and destinations, namely Mountain, Beach, spa, river and
Disco, which are popular, quieter hangouts for small groups
and individuals.
26
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48