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Polycentric house

cmm architects

written by
Eom Taegyu, Bang Giae
photographed by
texture on texture
materials provided by
cmm architects
edited by
Youn Yaelim
background

SPACE January 2026 (No. 698) 

 

 

 

The planned building area was 30-pyeong, with a site of 120-pyeong. The central question guiding the project lay in how the interior rooms would be arranged across the plot and how each would relate to the outdoor spaces. We considered each room as a centre from which spatial ¡®wavelengths¡¯ extended outward and then dispersed these centres across the site. This approach ensured independence for each room while promoting an active relationship with the exterior, allowing the relatively large plot to be used efficiently in relation to the required floor area. The main centres were defined as four primary zones. These dispersed centres first split north to south to address privacy and daylight levels, then further subdivided east to west according to function, ultimately spreading evenly across the site. In turn, the courtyard has been naturally divided into four areas each taking on its own role.

This strategy was grounded in our belief that daily life is enriched by sensory apprehension of the seasons and increasing contact with nature. We believe such an environment leaves one with more vivid memories and renders our time more abundant.​ 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see more information on the SPACE No. January (2026).

Architect

cmm architects (Eom Taegyu, Bang Giae)

Location

Sandae-ri, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea

Programme

single house

Site area

396m©÷

Building area

125.21m©÷

Gross floor area

97.92m©÷

Building scope

1F

Parking

1

Height

4.8m

Building to land ratio

31.62%

Floor area ratio

24.73%

Structure

light-frame timber construction

Exterior finishing

stone tile, corrugated steel roofing

Interior finishing

wallpaper, wood flooring

Structural engineer

Taegeon Structure

Mechanical and electrical engineer

JS Engineering

Construction

Gawon Housing

Design period

May ‒ Nov. 2024

Construction period

Jan. ‒ July 2025

Client

Jang Sangwoo

Landscape architect

Jang Sangwoo


cmm architects
cmm architects is a Busan-based practice founded in 2021 by Eom Taegyu and Bang Giae. The office approaches design through a practical exploration of human behaviour and spatial use, creating spaces shaped by real-life needs. By defining the relationships between various spatial elements, they aim to establish a seamless visual and sensory flow. Their work spans architecture, interior design, and furniture making, proposing spaces that carry the distinctive identity of cmm architects. Eom Taegyu gained professional experience at Gansam Architects & Partners and Hyundai Architects & Engineers Associates, Bang Giae previously worked at ISON Architects and oddaa architects. She is currently a lecturer at Gyeongsang National University.

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