a distinctive façade defines this lounge bar designed as a renovation and extension of the existing café building in seoul’s gangnam district, south korea. the existing building had a simple rectangular structure clad in concrete blocks and blackened steel with a courtyard in the center. the client requested for the new ‘liberty lounge’ building to retain the existing materiality, but to be altered to accommodate the new program. 

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © kyungsub shin

 

 

completed by simplex architecture, the concrete block wall on the north was maintained in order to preserve the original materiality of the building, and the blackened steel was mainly used for the newly built walls. the main façade on the east is covered with a metal mesh curtain. this rigid yet flexible material follows the curvilinear pattern consisting of multiple semicircles. in turn, the metal mesh connects the two mirrored patterns to create a transitional form. the effect is a layer of diffusion in front of the solid wall, which blurs the interior space from outside. at night, colorful led lights highlight the movement produced by the façade, emphasizing its curvilinear form.

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain

image © kyungsub shin

 

 

the interior concept of the liberty lounge is differentiated by the floors, where the large folding doors can be fully opened to provide a connection between the outdoor garden, the party room with vertical garden. the lounge bar on the first and second floor follows an art deco style. in contrast, the third floor was designed in a modern style, along with the outdoor garden. 

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © kyungsub shin

 

 

the grand stairs located in the center of the lounge emphasizes the main stage. the stage will not only be a place for the music performances but also accommodate various events such as brand launchings, fashion shows, parties, etc. there is a speakeasy bar located on the second floor, which will provide an intimate gathering place for exclusive guests. the private party room and the outdoor garden with the plunge pool on the third floor were designed to resemble a private residence. 

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © kyungsub shin

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © kyungsub shin

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © young kim

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image ©young kim

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © kyungsub shin

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © kyungsub shin

simplex drapes liberty lounge in seoul with metal mesh curtain
image © kyungsub shin