DBW Garment Factory Long An

Building a Greener Future: The DBW Garment Factory's Innovative High-Rise Design

Transforming vision into reality—maximizing land efficiency with a distinctive high-rise design, embodying sustainability aiming to green standard and worker well-being environment.

DBW Garment Factory, developed by Deutsche Bekleidungswerke Co., Ltd., is a striking example of modern industrial architecture that fuses cutting-edge design with sustainability and technological innovation. Situated in Long An province, just south of Ho Chi Minh City, this 5-story facility sets a new benchmark for garment manufacturing facilities across ASEAN.

Unique Design

The factory's design is a testament to the trend of optimizing functionality within limited land space by developing vertically (multi-story buildings), while still ensuring aesthetic appeal, sustainability, and a green, worker-friendly environment. The facade features louvered shading structures shaped in the iconic "DBW" brand name, reducing solar radiation and enhancing ventilation. An angled Low-E glass system on the East & West facades maximizes natural light while maintaining thermal efficiency. The most inspiring feature is the expansive rooftop garden spanning over 1,000 m2. This green oasis serves both aesthetic and functional purposes, cultivating fresh vegetables for the on-site canteen and providing workers with a visually stimulating environment. The design fosters a balance between industrial performance and user experience, setting new standards for comfort in factory settings.

Innovation in Steel

At the core of DBW's construction is its steel framework, which allows for large, column-free spaces on five floors dedicated to production. The roof is made from COLORBONLY steel, integrated with Thermatech-technology, providing exceptional thermal performance. The innovative roofing design, with a slope of 9 degrees and an SRI (Solar Reflectance Index) greater than 80, reduces roof temperatures by up to 6°C, cutting cooling energy costs by 15%. The use of high-performance steel ensures both structural integrity and energy efficiency, underscoring the role of advanced materials in pushing the boundaries of industrial design.

Sustainability

DBW Garment Factory is certified for both LEED and LOTUS Platinum, positioning it as a leader in sustainable industrial development. Renewable energy systems, including biomass fuel for boiler and 165.1 kWp solar panels, power the facility, reducing overall energy consumption by 44.3%. Additionally, rainwater is harvested and reused for rooftop garden irrigation and restroom facilities, optimizing water efficiency. The use of autoclaved aerated concrete (AAC) blocks further minimizes energy consumption for air conditioning, ensuring the building maintains high thermal performance while reducing environmental impact.

The building mass and primary functional layout are oriented towards the main road (Street No. 6) in the Northeast, which is a wide road convenient for both employee traffic and goods delivery while avoiding direct exposure to the hot Southwest sun.

As a pioneer in the development of sustainable, environmentally friendly industrial buildings, Thomas Hebestreit, Founder and CEO of Royal Spirit Group, once said:

 “I was determined to build a model factory, setting new standards for world-class garment production. Thus, DBW was born.”

(Source: Forbes Vietnam)