JK-AR builds the house of three trees in south korea

located in a rural area of south korea, JK-AR has completed ‘the house of three trees’, which features a forest-like structure at its center. the residential project has been designed as a contemporary reinterpretation of the typical wooden bracket systems ubiquitous in east asian timber buildings. functioning both structurally and aesthetically, the intricate canopy uses modern fabrication techniques to convey how today’s technology can breathe new life into traditional architecture.

all images © rohspace

the house is designed by JK-AR with a hexagonal shaped footprint. responding to this form, the ‘three trees’ structure has been built to create the interior space, with a double-height living area crowned at the center of the plan. this impressive wooden element gives the project its name and immerses residents in a forest-like atmosphere. solely composed of wooden joinery, 4006 pieces in fact, the trees have been constructed without using any nails.

the external walls of the house are clad in plywood and plastic panels, which were selected as they are both commonly used materials in the rural area of south korea. the translucent panel on top subtly reveals the plywood finishing inside and, similarly to the roof, gives an ethereal lightness to the building which simultaneously contrasts with adjacent house. functionally the panels generate an additional air layer and increase insulation performance, as well protect inner plywood from rainwater.

the exterior of the building is defined most by its unusually pitched roof. designed for both function and form, the thin, floating roof creates the notion of lightness, while also providing better rainwater drainage. the roof is also shaped to allow a glimpse of the warm interior from the window elements that fill the gap between the wall and roof components. passersby are able to see a sliver of the wooden forest that makes up the house of three trees.

project info:

project name: the house of three trees

location: south korea

architect: JK-AR

photography: rohspace

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: lynne myers | designboom