peaceful house on the hill in geochang by studio_GAON

peaceful house on the hill in geochang by studio_GAON
all images courtesy of studio_GAON

set amidst the quiet fields of a sunny hill in korea, ‘house in geochang’ by studio_GAON was built as a peaceful dwelling for an older couple and their octogenarian parents. following a life of passionate dedication to social movements, labor reform, and other initiatives for the greater good, the house owners sought a home that would provide true relaxation and permit them to grow walnuts and other produce on their land.

uniting three generations under a single roof, a common living room and kitchen is set among three private rooms for the couple, their daughter, and their parents. the floorplan achieves a balance of shared and personal spaces, and the home itself is situated such that it enjoys privacy from other families.

main facade, north elevation of the ‘house in geochang’

the form of the site dictated a slight tilt of the home along the east-west axis, taking an elongated shape. windows are oriented to maximize sunlight from the south and provide views from the kitchen and living room of the verdant hillscape to the northwest. the land is arable, and the presence of a running fresh spring, small river pool, and tall dogwood tree provide peaceful relaxation.

closer view of the main facade, north elevation

‘the house owner resembles prometheus, a titan in greek mythology. the couple helped others during their whole life, and even now they are taking care of others at every opportunity. so we wanted a modest and cozy house, which will not wake the Titan, who takes rest after a long time, from his nap. here they will take sleep and rest soundly. the building, like a farmer who endured the storms and eventually collected teemful harvest, will be a permanent living place for the three generation family.‘ – artchitects studio_gaon

southwest elevation

south elevation

the house uses a simple colour palette of natural materials alongside traditional elements

view from the balcony

kitchen and dining room

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project info

architect: hyungnam lim, eunjoo roh + studio_gaon
project team: sangwoo lee, minjung choi, sungpil lee, seongwon son, hanmoe lee
photographs: youngchea park
location: hangi-ri, ungyang-myeon, geochang-gun, gyeongsangnam-do, south korea
site area: 596㎡
building area: 128.47㎡
gross floor area: 163.78㎡
building scope: 2f
building-to-land ratio: 21.56%
floor area ratio: 27.48%
supervision: studio_gaon
design period: 2012.9.1 – 2012.12.4
construction period: 2013.1.12 – 2013.5.2

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