Enhance Your Team’s Performance With Natural Elements

Your team’s productivity may be quietly eroding—and the cause isn’t culture or compensation. It’s your office design. In Vietnam’s cities, rising heat, poor air quality, and sealed environments are creating invisible barriers to employee focus and efficiency.

A Harvard study shows that a 5°C rise in office temperature can reduce cognitive performance by 13%. In HCMC, that’s not a rare event—it’s daily reality. Most leaders respond with higher A/C bills. But some are taking a smarter route: Bioclimatic design—an approach that integrates natural ventilation, strategic shading, and greenery into workspaces. It reduces energy costs while boosting morale and output.

At Dreamplex, we’ve implemented this across our campuses in partnership with sustainable design leader T3 Architects. The result? Cooler spaces, better air, and stronger team engagement. This guide shares how you can do the same—without needing a new building. Whether you lease or own, we outline low-cost upgrades, performance metrics to watch, and how to align this with your ESG goals.

If you’re serious about productivity, retention, and long-term cost control, this isn’t a “nice-to-have.” It’s the next frontier.

Redefining sustainable workspaces amidst climate change in Vietnam

Rising temperatures, polluted air, high humidity… all are silently stifling workplace productivity. According to the World Bank (2023), the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect makes Southeast Asian cities 2-5°C hotter than rural areas, largely due to urbanization and a lack of green spaces.

In Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), impermeable surfaces like asphalt, steel, and glass are driving temperatures higher, blocking natural airflow. According to IQAir, Hanoi and HCMC frequently record Air Quality Index (AQI) readings above 100, a dangerously “Unhealthy” level. A study published at the Healthy Buildings 2006 Conference (Indoor Environment Group – Energy Department, USA) indicated that when temperatures rise to 30°C, work efficiency drops to 91.1% compared to its maximum at 22°C.

A study from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health also showed that just a 5°C increase in office temperature, from 22°C to 27°C, reduces employee cognitive performance by 13%. In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, many hot days reach 39-40°C, forcing offices to rely entirely on air conditioning. This not only incurs high electricity costs but is also unsustainable.

As a CEO facing increased operational costs and diminished labor productivity, a critical question emerges: Is your current office truly fit for purpose? The answer lies not in building taller or installing more air conditioners, but in creating workspaces that harmonize with nature—leveraging natural wind, light, greenery, and intelligent materials.

Bioclimatic architecture is rapidly becoming a vital trend, empowering businesses to cut operational costs and achieve natural, sustainable work efficiency.

Source: Bioclimatic Design

Bioclimatic: The 10x roi solution every modern ceo needs

Amidst climate change, energy crises, and intense pressure to retain top talent, CEOs are looking beyond short-term fixes. They need a workspace design strategy that delivers both cost savings and enhanced performance. Bioclimatic architecture is precisely that answer. This innovative design philosophy intelligently integrates natural elements like sunlight, wind, greenery, and water, significantly reducing reliance on conventional air conditioning and artificial lighting. Simply put, Bioclimatic leverages what’s readily available to optimize operations and nurture human well-being. Bioclimatic designs offer core advantages: 

• They reduce heat buildup and improve indoor air quality through natural ventilation, without the need for excessive cooling. 
• They minimize heat absorption by strategically harnessing sunlight. And they cool the environment while purifying the air with integrated vegetation. 
• The result is an open space that fosters social connection without compromising focus.

3D Model of Bioclimatic Architecture Applied to Dreamplex Ngo Quang Huy Office Building (Image source: T3 Architects)

Actual building image of Dreamplex Ngo Quang Huy

Bioclimatic isn’t just ‘green’ for the planet; it’s ‘green’ for your bottom line. Harvard University research shows employees in green offices perform 61% better on cognitive tasks. Access to greenery, natural light, and fresh air boosts employee morale and significantly reduces turnover. Moreover, as investors and partners increasingly demand demonstrable commitment to sustainability, Bioclimatic provides concrete, measurable progress towards ESG goals: reducing carbon footprint while creating a holistic, healthier, and more creative work environment.

Applying bioclimatic architecture to your workspace: Where to begin?

Even if building a new bioclimatic office or undertaking a major renovation isn’t feasible right now, CEOs can still kickstart their sustainability journey. Simple yet effective actions can be implemented directly within your existing workspace. Below, we’ve outlined a few easy-to-implement suggestions that deliver almost immediate results.

These practices aren’t just about cutting costs; they’re also crucial for building a green brand image, which is increasingly sought after by employees, partners, and investors alike. In Vietnam, Dreamplex stands at the forefront, integrating bioclimatic design to craft workspaces that actively prioritize employee health, comfort, and creativity. For us, sustainability is not an optional extra; it’s the very bedrock of our philosophy. This commitment is evident in our carefully curated spaces, where strategic ventilation, biophilic design, abundant natural light, and breathable materials work in harmony. Every detail is chosen to alleviate stress, sharpen focus, and significantly enhance the quality of daily work life.

Dreamplex Le Hien Mai – From Design to Reality (Image source: T3 Architects)

With a shared vision for the future of work, Dreamplex has teamed up with T3 Architects, an internationally acclaimed specialist in sustainable and bioclimatic design.  This powerful collaboration aims to redefine the office experience, starting with our flagship locations: Dreamplex Lê Hiến Mai and Dreamplex Ngô Quang Huy. This partnership doesn’t just create beautiful spaces; it marks a pivotal moment for Vietnamese offices, demonstrating how they can truly adapt to environmental realities while ensuring a healthier, more productive day for employees.

Enjoy a fulfilling day at Dreamplex,

right in your own home away from home.

Discover everything from inspiring workspaces with modern amenities to Dreamplex’s warm, friendly community. Just bring a clear mind and your laptop; Dreamplex will take care of the rest!

The dual impact of “clean” spaces on productivity and health

A workspace rich in fresh air, abundant natural light, and comfortable conditions significantly boosts employee focus and performance. Research consistently highlights several key benefits:

• Enhanced Concentration: Clean air and proper lighting are known to reduce fatigue, heighten alertness, and help employees sustain attention throughout the workday.
• Stimulated Creativity: Stress-free environments, enhanced by a connection to nature, inspire innovative thinking and cultivate stronger problem-solving skills.
• Reduced Fatigue: Minimizing discomfort from factors like poor ventilation or inadequate lighting ensures sustained energy levels and alleviates mental exhaustion.

Beyond productivity, a healthy indoor environment directly and positively impacts both physical and mental well-being:

• Physical Health: Improved air quality directly reduces risks of respiratory issues, allergies, and eye strain.
• Mental Health: Access to natural elements and enhanced environmental comfort alleviates stress and anxiety, while notably improving mood and overall job satisfaction.

The Air Standard & Quality in Dreamplex is high! Confirmed by our member

Investing in high-quality, health-conscious workspaces is more than just an employee benefit ; it’s a strategic business move:

• Attracting Talent: Health-focused work environments appeal to top talent who prioritize well-being in their job choices.
• Enhancing Brand Image: Demonstrating commitment to sustainability and employee welfare strengthens corporate reputation and stakeholder trust.
• Companies leading in sustainable office design often report higher employee retention rates and enhanced organizational performance, as shown in reports by the World Green Building Council.

Exclusive offer for mission-driven & environmentally conscious companies

Dreamplex is currently offering an exclusive discount on all flexible office packages at Dreamplex Le Hien Mai and Dreamplex Ngo Quang Huy (District 2).

Join a community of like-minded individuals and thrive in a space designed for purpose and holistic well-being.

T3 Architects – The Visionaries Behind the Green Vision

T3 Architects is a leading firm in Vietnam with offices also in France and Cambodia, known for sustainable, human-centered design that prioritizes both environmental responsibility and user well-being. At the core of T3’s design philosophy is the belief that people are at the heart of architecture. Every design decision prioritizes improving occupants’ quality of life while minimizing environmental impact. They specialize in creating living ecosystems — buildings that “breathe” naturally, regulating climate and harmonizing with the surrounding environment. Dreamplex chose to partner with T3 Architects because of a shared vision for the future of workspaces. Both teams are united in their mission to pioneer sustainable environments that nurture well-being, comfort, and productivity. By combining Dreamplex’s dedication to wellness-focused workspaces with T3’s bioclimatic expertise, this collaboration sets a new benchmark for green, people-first offices in Vietnam. To bring this vision to life, T3 Architects has applied their proven approach—seen in celebrated projects across Vietnam, Cambodia, and Myanmar—to the design of Dreamplex’s newest locations. From residential eco-villas in Phnom Penh to cultural hubs in Ho Chi Minh City, their work reflects a consistent philosophy: building spaces that breathe.

Bioclimatic flexi-office at Sài Gòn

  And now, that same philosophy shapes Dreamplex Lê Hiến Mai — a workspace that’s not only functional, but truly alive. You can learn more about Dreamplex’s sustainable workspace vision. Our newest locations, Dreamplex Le Hien Mai and Dreamplex Ngo Quang Huy in Thao Dien, are testaments to how biophilic architecture can transform not just physical spaces, but the entire work experience. We’ve learned from the best, and now we want to share these insights with you, so you can apply them in your own office, wherever you are. But before making any changes, there’s a crucial first step: Create a pilot zone & ask your employees. What kind of work environment helps them focus, feel better, and stay engaged longer? To help you get started, Choose one meeting room or hot-desking area to apply bioclimatic upgrades (greenery, ventilation, reflective film) and use this Employee Workspace Well-being Survey Template to check. Use it to understand what’s working, what isn’t, and how a more climate-responsive design can truly make a difference – both before and after you implement changes.

Download Survey Template: HERE

Dreamplex Lê Hiến Mai: Open to Air, Open to Light

Sitting just steps from the Saigon River, Dreamplex Lê Hiến Mai was designed from the ground up with climate adaptation in mind.

• The building maximizes natural cross-ventilation. Rather than relying on sealed glass facades, it allows wind to flow through the workspace, reducing the need for mechanical cooling.
• A light-filled atrium channels daylight into shared areas, decreasing electricity usage while promoting a calming, natural rhythm throughout the day.
• Shaded terraces and large roof overhangs protect against direct sun, minimizing heat gain while offering comfortable outdoor workspaces.
• Carefully selected materials and landscaping help reduce surface temperatures, lowering the local heat island effect around the building.

The result: a workplace that stays cooler, brighter, and more breathable—even in peak summer months.

Dreamplex Ngô Quang Huy: A Garden in the City

Dreamplex Ngô Quang Huy offers a different take on bioclimatic design. Nestled in a quiet green alley, this location blends architecture with landscape to create a calming retreat from the city’s hustle.

• Layered greenery surrounds and filters the workspace—trees, climbing plants, and internal gardens that cool the building passively.
• The architecture invites movement: walkways wind between open areas and courtyards, encouraging team members to take walking meetings or enjoy moments of nature during the workday.
• Thermal comfort is maintained through a combination of vegetation, open-air corridors, and materials chosen for their ability to regulate temperature without excessive cooling.
• The entire environment fosters well-being, creativity, and deep focus—values that are essential to meaningful work in the knowledge economy.

Dreamplex, in partnership with T3 Architects, has successfully brought bioclimatic architecture to life at their flagship locations: Dreamplex Lê Hiến Mai and Dreamplex Ngô Quang Huy. This collaboration exemplifies how modern workspaces can be:

• Stylish and functional
• Environmentally sustainable
• Centered on holistic human health and comfort, creating a truly breathable and nurturing workplace environment.

Feel free to walk in anytime — our team is always ready to welcome you.  As one of our secret shoppers, you can expect to experience our signature 5-star hospitality at every visit.