Abstraction in Concrete Forms: Pointtwofive.Second Seongsu House
Sophie Hicks Architects + YOAP architects Pointtwofive.
written by
Sophie Hicks, Kim Doran, Ryoo Inkekun, Jeong Sangkyong
photographed by
Hong Kiwoong
materials provided by
YOAP architects
edited by
Park Jiyoun
SPACE September 2025 (No. 694)
Clash of Senses
Sophie Hicks principal, Sophie Hicks Architects
Newly built in Seongsu-dong, the flagship store for the perfume brand Pointtwofive.Second (025S) unveils the distinctive essence of the perfumes through its architectural language. Drawing inspiration from the perfume’s alluring description, ‘a subtle balance between fragrant / beautiful and foul / ugly’, the store has been designed to achieve harmony through dramatic contrasts. Just as this meticulously calibrated perfume reveals its character through the interplay of strange, sharp scents and smooth, sweet notes, this space also possesses a unique atmosphere in the clash of opposing materials and sensations. The walls of the lower levels and parking lot are made of concrete mixed with asphalt and pieces of waste tire, which gives them a rough, industrial texture. Raw elements drawn from the urban landscape, such as parked cars, exposed air conditioning units, metal mesh screens, and grubby surfaces, support the scented and dreamlike space floating above, enforcing a vivid contrast. Stepping over the threshold into the building takes visitors instantly away from the noise and chaos of reality and into an independent, richly sensory world. The semi-transparent outer skin of the building blurs the distinctions between inside and outside, offering a glimpse into the memories, emotions, and world of dreams residing in each of us. The atmospheric notes of sensation that fills the space alters our perception, stimulating our senses and enabling us to view familiar places anew. The spiral staircase, walls, tables, and display cases are all arranged along elliptical curves. As you ascend to the higher levels, the space gradually transforms into a dreamlike, featherlight expanse. Each floor is designed around a single light source, and the subtle light reflected off the stainless steel furniture with a hairline finish, reflective panels, and resin-grouted floors, daintily enhances the sense of space. The sound-absorbing cotton spray finish gently adjusts the sound profile, creating a stimul...
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Architect
Sophie Hicks Architects (Sophie Hicks) + YOAP arch
Design team
Tom Hopes (Sophie Hicks Architects), Lee Changju (
Location
20, Wangsimni-ro 14-gil, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Kore
Sophie Hicks worked in the fashion industry before qualifying as a chartered architect in 1994. She was a stylist for Vogue and collaborated with designer Azzedine Alaia. Drawing on her extensive design experience, she now runs an architectural office specialising in fashion retail and high-end residential architecture. She is skilled at both the conceptual and practical aspects of design, with exceptional insight and an outstanding design sense that enable her to read contemporary trends.
Kim Doran
Kim Doran graduated from the department of architecture at Hanyang University and gained practical experience at SPACE Group. She co-founded YOAP architects in 2013 and continues to practise.
Ryoo Inkekun
Ryoo Inkekun started working at SPACE Group in 2005 and gained nine years of practical experience before becoming the co-principal of YOAP architects in 2013. He has received numerous awards, including the Seoul Metropolitan Government Architecture Award, Korean Institute of Architects Awards, the Main Prize at the Rural Architecture Fair, and Jeju Architecture Awards. Notable projects from his ongoing practice include Gyeongni Stair Street, Yoap white house, cornerstone, 淸風來故人 (The wind blows from the past), 1×4 house, Anyang social housing, and Hwasung social youth housing.
Jeong Sangkyong
Jeong Sangkyong graduated from the department of architecture at Hanyang University, going on to receive a master’s degree in interior space design from the University of the Arts London. She gained practical experience at firms including SPACE Group, Young in Architects London, and MKPL Architects Singapore. She currently serves as an adjunct professor in the department of architecture at Hanyang University ERICA Campus, while also working as a public architect for the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Incheon.
