A meeting between the Association of Structure Architecture Wood – Ho Chi Minh City (SAWA) and Rothoblaas – one of the world’s leading providers of timber engineering solutions – took place on the afternoon of August 6, 2025, at SAWA’s office. This important step aims to strengthen professional exchange and international collaboration in the context of Vietnam’s rapidly evolving timber construction industry.
Attending the meeting were Mr. Vo Quang Ha – Chairman of SAWA; Mr. Nguyen Manh Binh San – Vice Chairman in charge of Architecture; and Mr. Adam Corrall – Vice Chairman in charge of International Relations. From Rothoblaas, participants included Mr. Milos Slavik – Regional Manager with extensive experience in CLT & GLT, sustainable development, building products, and AI automation; and Mr. Mario Kuriadi – Area Sales Manager for the Vietnam market.
During the session, both parties engaged in in-depth discussions on the global shift toward mass timber architecture and the growing importance of Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DFMA) as a key criterion for sustainable construction. Rothoblaas shared insights from flagship projects across Europe, Bali, and Southeast Asia, while also proposing collaboration in technology transfer, engineer training, and building a professional community in Vietnam.
Moving forward, SAWA and Rothoblaas will jointly organize a series of technical seminars starting in early October 2025. These seminars will introduce advanced connection systems, structural design software, and global standards to architects, engineers, investors, and construction firms in Vietnam. The events will emphasize practical applications in modular timber construction, fast assembly, and disassembly – contributing to the development of a specialized technical community in Vietnam’s timber sector.
A key highlight of the meeting was the plan to co-develop a showcase project: a mass timber roofed football field at TAVICO. This is not only a sports facility but also a demonstration of large-span engineered wood construction. Sponsored by Rothoblaas and coordinated by SAWA, the project aims to become an iconic example of “design for assembly and disassembly,” aligning with the global movement toward sustainable architecture.
SAWA reaffirmed its role as a connector and enabler, shaping platforms for collaboration among domestic and international stakeholders who share a vision of advancing timber construction in Vietnam.
This meeting marks a promising beginning in the strategic partnership between Rothoblaas and SAWA’s member network—committed to innovation, sustainability, and global integration.
