moon hoon infills urban void in seoul with SAI project

moon hoon infills urban void with SAI project
photo by nam goong sun
all images courtesy of moon hoon

due to unforeseen events during construction of the adjacent building, architecture office moon hoon was commissioned with the task of reimagining a narrow site in seoul, korea. infilling the already completed steel structure, the space has been envisioned as an urban greenhouse, designed with the intention for plant growth over time. fiberglass reinforced plastic grating panels are hung from the beams above by red-painted steel cables. this material is also used for wall surfaces, arranged in an irregular composition.

an irregular composition of fiberglass reinforced plastic grating panels infill the steel structure
photos by nam goong sun

the unprogrammed nature of the project distinguishes it from its urban context. the structure provides a place for gathering, relaxation, and play. each floor is left open, and on one side is bounded by the glass façade of the adjacent building. the existing structure is painted in bright yellow, while new steel elements are treated in red. staircases are organized to one end of the elongated volume, providing clear vertical circulation throughout the five levels.

interior spaces are bound on one side by the glass cladding of the adjacent building
photos by nam goong sun

the existing structure was painted a bright yellow, while new staircases and steel rod are painted in red
photo by nam goong sun

floor sections are hung with steel rods from beams above
photos by nam goong sun

the back side of the structure is utilized as access for underground access
photos by nam goong sun

 an exploded axonometric diagram clarifies the structure’s composition

a sketch envisioning the building as an urban playground

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project info:

location: nonhyeon 1-dong, gangnam-gu, seoul, korea
design: feb. 2013-mar. 2013
construction: apr.-jul 2013
program: urban playground
site area: 89.67 sqm
building area: 89.67 sqm
gross floor area: 330.57  sqm
height: 19.2m
structure: steel
exterior finish: fiberglass reinforced plastic grating
interior finish: fiberglass reinforced plastic grating
architect: moonbalsso (moon hoon)
project team: kim sung, kim taehyeong
structural engineering: SDM engineers
construction: sungwon
photography: nam goong sun