KDDH designs a house within a small lot in korea using a skip floor plan layout

KDDH’s ‘slow house’ project set in ulsan is situated in a rectangular site with an eight-meters-width road at the northwest side facing the foot of mount hwangbang. since it is expected that there will be a lot of traffic jams and mountain climbers, it is necessary to design a plan which protects user privacy. therefore, the design has been started with the intention of separating a private area from a public area. first, the shape of the mass has been decided as a form wrapping the space and embracing the mountain. and, the lower part of the piloti resulting from the form of the mass is used as a buffer zone where the private area and the public area are separated.

all images by kim yong-soon

the inner space of this house is roughly separated into three hierarchies: a family area, children area, and couple area. in order to clarify these hierarchies, korean based practice KDDH has used the staircase concept. the family area located at the lowest part of the house includes a kitchen, dining room, and others for the purpose of the family activity. in order to embrace various programs in small size area, a skip floor plan that is dislocated every half story has been planned instead of a traditional method that separates spaces using walls and furniture. through the skip floor plan a large volume space compared to the size of the area could be obtained. and, the growing light has been installed to fill the emptiness, giving the sense of the center to the space.

the inner space of this house is roughly separated into three hierarchies

once approaching the second floor via the staircase, a study room, the first buffer area, is seen. through this study room a space where it is possible to look down to the living room and communicate was made. also, it has been planned that the children can pass through the family area by arranging the bedroom where such a formation can be seen. each room has a small size, but, has a different shape of a ceiling to form a unique feeling of space. again, the staircase leads you half story up to the second buffer area.

the intention is to separate a private area from a public area

the low corridor divides the space for parents and children, and it is also used as an approaching area for a bathroom. this area, intended for the couple is separated far from other spaces at the highest location, but it is possible to control the children and family area anytime. and, an attic is located at the end of the staircase. somehow, the large-sized attic can be used as a separated space for children and guests. the space for children in the attic has a small window toward the living room, enabling to communicate. the moving path in the KDDH’s ‘slow house’ has been planned to go up following by the staircase and the corridor. however, each room is open towards the space for the family, making the residence to have a feeling of large space.

the highest area in the house is dedicated to the couple

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edited by: apostolos costarangos | designboom