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Marvelling at Voluntary Structural Experiments: The House for Rejuvenation | Kim Jaekyung + JK-AR

Kim Jaekyung, JK-AR

written by
Kim Jaekyung
photographed by
Roh Kyung (unless otherwise indicated)
materials provided by
JK-AR
edited by
Kim Bokyoung
background

SPACE October 2025 (No. 695) 

 

 

(From left to rightHall of Contemplation, Hall of Meditation, Hall of Remedy

 

 

 

The House for Rejuvenation in Gyeongju consists of three houses, each reflecting the themes of contemplation, meditation, and recovery, all focused on the healing of body and mind through space. Each house features a distinct internal design based on different timber construction techniques, offering individuality. These houses not only use diverse timber methods but also differ in how they approach light, openness, and closure, so that each possesses its own unique atmosphere.

The first house, the Hall of Contemplation, is an open space that captures the landscape of Gyeongju¡¯s Namsan Mountain and a central courtyard, fostering harmony between nature and humanity. The low, open interior allows visitors to view the surrounding natural landscape from a fresh perspective. The symbolic roof structure reinterprets traditional East Asian construction systems, such as brackets and joints, and incorporates decorative elements from Bulguksa temple.

 

 

 

*You can see more information on the SPACE No. October (2025).
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Architect

Kim Jaekyung (Hanyang University), Im Illjoong (H

Design team

Kim Gyutae, Lee Yesol, Kwak Sookran (JK-AR), Bae

Location

60, Gangbyeon-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do,

Programme

neighbourhood living facility (gallery, café

Site area

4,976m©÷

Building area

520.02m©÷

Gross floor area

951.19m©÷

Building scope

B1, 1F

Parking

23

Height

7.37m

Building to land ratio

10.45%

Floor area ratio

9.5%

Structure

timber structure, RC

Exterior finishing

european red pine glulam, domestic red pine

Interior finishing

wood flooring, tile, coating finish

Structural engineer

Agehara Shigeo (Structural Net), Park Byeongsoon

Mechanical and electrical engineer

Lee Jongtaek (Yoosung Engineering)

Construction

Kim Gapbong, Kim Dohyung, Kim Minho (Stuga House)

Design period

Oct. 2017 – Sep. 2022

Construction period

Sep. 2022 – Aug. 2024

Client

Baek Jinho

Design advisor

Tomii Masanori (Hanyang University)

Landscape

Choi Jaehyeok (Openness studio)


Kim Jaekyung
Kim Jaekyung combines research, teaching, and design practice to develop an architectural approach that merges tradition with contemporary technology. As founder of JK-AR, he has completed projects such as House of Three Trees (2019), Pavilion of Floating Lights (2022), and House for Rejuvenation (2025). At Hanyang University¡¯s CoDe Lab, he promotes digital craftsmanship and has supervised over 50 master¡¯s and doctoral graduates.

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