Café Net Zero #26 – Sunday, October 12, 2025
Last Sunday, Café Net Zero #26, organized by Net Zero Vietnam, featured a special sharing session with Architect Olivier Souquet, co-founder of DE-SO (France) and Chairman of the Board of DE-SO Asia in Vietnam. The Association of Structure Architecture Wood – Ho Chi Minh City (SAWA) joined as a sponsoring partner, reaffirming its commitment to promoting timber architecture and green building development in Vietnam.
In his presentation, Mr. Souquet emphasized the design philosophy of “working with nature” – considering topography, natural light, and wind orientation as fundamental elements that shape a building. Instead of imposing on nature, his projects seek to blend harmoniously with the landscape, making full use of natural energy sources to reduce the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.
A defining feature of his work is the use of wood as both a structural and aesthetic element. According to Mr. Souquet, wood not only brings warmth and a sense of closeness but is also a renewable material capable of storing carbon, contributing practically to sustainability and Net Zero goals.
However, he also pointed out that current building regulations in Vietnam do not yet allow the use of timber structures in high-rise buildings, which limits the opportunities for timber architecture to expand on a larger scale.
In a particularly thought-provoking moment of his talk, Architect Olivier Souquet raised the question:
“Why hasn’t Vietnam made greater use of thermo wood in construction?”
He illustrated this point with the Louis Vuitton factory project in France, where thermo wood is widely applied thanks to its durability, moisture resistance, and adaptability to changing climates. The project serves as a compelling example of how wood can be effectively utilized in modern architecture when properly studied and applied.
As a sponsoring partner, SAWA continues to uphold its mission of promoting green design thinking and spreading the values of sustainable timber use in architecture. Through ongoing collaborations, SAWA remains steadfast in its purpose to connect knowledge – inspire creativity – and encourage responsible wood use, contributing to Vietnam’s journey toward a Net Zero construction industry.
Café Net Zero #26 not only offered a refreshing perspective on designing in harmony with nature but also showcased the power of collaboration among organizations that share the same vision — working together toward a greener, more sustainable future for Vietnam.