SPACE August 2025 (No. 693)
The design of the house began with the client’s desire to settle in Seochon, a neighbourhood in which many traces of the past remain. The eaves and walls of a nearby hanok, the bay window of the neighbouring multi-family house, the awning of a small shop that welcomes passersby, and the potted plants placed outside the homes all gently suggest what the house might look like. Though newly built, the house speaks to the neighbourhood in its familiar forms and ordinary language, designed to feel as if it had always been there, modest and unassuming. The client designated the first floor as a shared study and studio space for his wife, who majored in art, and their child, who is now in elementary school. It reflects his care and consideration for his wife and child, who would be spending much of their time at home during the day. The lowered floor, set slightly below street level to create a sense of openness, results in windows that are positioned low, making it appear as if a small house has been added onto the main structure. The brick-paved entrance adds warmth, while the open round-bar louv...
