architect-k establishes monolithic house along the coast of south korea

architect-k establishes monolithic house along the coast of south korea
all images © yoon junhwan

local firm architect-K have added a monolithic concrete residence to the coastal city of busan in south korea’s urban fabric. over the years after the war, a growing number of distinctive architecture emerged across the city, making the location known for its exploration in unusual buildings.

post-war, many distinctive looking buildings emerged around the city

the design team organized ‘songdo residence’ – which also goes by the name of ‘alice’s adventures in wonder house’ – to feel like a small city with its own alleyways on each floor. the exterior – composed of exposed and bamboo concrete combined with basalt brick – is shaped as a curving mass at the rear and on the front, visualized as a series of three stacked volumes protruding in the direction towards the sea.

at the back, the communal spaces lead onto a generously sized garden

the rear of the building curves around a generously sized garden, with the living room and communal spaces facing out towards this planted and private area.

the building houses a residence and a public gallery

the spatial arrangement inside complements the characteristic exterior. the long floor plan meanders gently with eight different staircases crossing at disparate points along the main circulation route. in result, uniquely-shaped rooms have been created and programs of each space defined by their form. overall, the ‘alleyways’ and spaces coexist, allowing the inhabitants to constantly explore new routes within the house.

the living room

‘we proposed a resort type residence that includes a public gallery as an alternative to the positive development of songdo beach. in and out spaces of the house are filled with views of nature. ocean gallery which can be open to the public will act as a beneficial cultural element in the dense commercial area. it is recovering the original value of closest beach from the old downtown of busan and also exploring the possibility as new residential area with the good environment.’ – kichul lee, architect-k.

pine form work with exposed concrete, wood bricks, basalt bricks, metal panels were used throughout

the bathroom and other rooms look out to internal courtyards

the designers wanted to create a house that was filled with different routes and programs

the dining / party room has a faceted ceiling and looks out toward the sea

the long gradual curving floor plan has eight different staircases which cross at disparate points

project info:

design period: 2013.08~2014.12
building type: residence + gallery
location: busan, south korea
site area: 1,111.53㎡
site covering area: 454.02㎡
total floor area: 1,644.72㎡
floor area ratio: 40.85%
building scope: b2, 2f
finish: exposed concrete, basalt brick, black bamboo concrete