▲ A rear view of the Saigon building shows again how full use has been made of existing trees. Notice how the external walls have been set back for sun protection behind free standing circular columns and pro- jecting floor slabs.
The free standing staircase supported on central spine beams adds grace to the entrance hall in Saigon. The staircase is of reinforced concrete with open black marble treads. Black marble is also used on the floor of the hall and 'Gris argenti' marble to line the hall walls.
architectural interest.
The building
is air-conditioned throughout.
The office block is of reinforced concrete frame with flat slab construction and a pitched copper- clad roof. Special finishes to the outside walls include polished black granite facing at ground floor level. mixed grey glass mosaics on the ends of the building and alternate light grey and grey/green glass mosaics on the panels beneath the windows.
Two entrances have been provid- ed. The main one, at the north end. is sheltered by the overhanging upper floors of the building. which form a porte cochere; this is partially enclosed by an ornamental precast concrete grille. The main entrance leads into an entrance hall. finished in green Tinos marble, with a staircase giving access to busy public offices, such as the visa section, on the ground floor. The entrance hall here is also finished in "Tinos marble. A staircase leads to the first floor only.
The staircases are
open and free standing. with terrazzo finished treads cantilevered out from a cen- tral reinforced concrete spine beam.
The main room on the ground floor of the building is the library. expressed by projecting beyond the main facade and treated with a de- corative grille.
Plain drapes and carpeting effec tively set off the modern furni- ture in the Ambassador's offices ▼in Saigon.
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THE HONG KONG & FAR EAST BUILDER
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VOLUME 18, NUMBER 1