fluted, pink concrete tiles wrap studio weave's seosaeng house

seosaeng house connects with Nature and Tradition

London-based Studio Weave unveils its newly completed Seosaeng House, which overlooks the shores of South Korea‘s eastern peninsula. The architecture harnesses traditional Korean elements with contemporary design to take shape as a multi-generational family home that harmoniously integrates with the natural hillside. Perched on the cliff’s edge, the facade of pink concrete tiles basks in the early morning rays of the Korean sunlight, offering panoramic views of the Eastern Sea. Three terraces, each rising a meter at a time, faithfully following the slope of its rocky site. The architects notes that the name itself, Seosaeng, translates to ‘the brightening East’ or ‘new life,’ reflecting its close relationship with the surroundings.

images © Kyung Roh

the fluted pink facade

The architects at Studio Weave craft three rectangular forms to create the C-shaped floor plan of Seosaeng House, cradling a partially enclosed courtyard garden within. Viewed from the street level, these forms appear as a unified structure discreetly tucked away behind a facade adorned with fluted, pink-tinted concrete tiles. The undulating cladding mimics the color of the surrounding soil and emanates a reddish glow at sunrise. Approaching the entrance, modern concrete stairs guide visitors while passing a landscaped retaining wall adorned with river boulders. The landing features dark volcanic paving intentionally left rough, allowing vegetation to reclaim it gradually, merging it with the natural landscape over time.

studio weave designs to preserve local customs

Before stepping into the Seosaeng House, Studio Weave thoughtfully created sheltered spaces with deep eaves, which, as the team notes, keeps in mind traditional Korean customs. A long stone designates an area for leaving shoes outside, while a hanging steel bar marks a designated area for food preservation. The deep eaves also serve to mitigate the subtropical climate of the location, providing shade from the summer sun and protection from monsoon rains. Moreover, lush trees in the central courtyard reduce the sun’s intensity, harmonizing with the extensive glazing.

Seosaeng House welcomes guests with the warm and inviting interiors of its an open-plan kitchen and main living room. Natural light streams in through expansive east-facing glazing, offering stunning views of the ocean, while the private central courtyard graces the space to the west. A set of stairs divides the rectangular room, traversing the home’s axis and leading to the main bedroom, ensuite, main bathroom, and children’s room. Acting as a pivotal feature, the central courtyard seamlessly blends contemporary and traditional elements, supporting the family’s daily lifestyle.

The architecture maintains a close connection with its surrounding landscape, thanks to a collaboration between Studio Weave and Korean garden designer Garden&Forest. The site is divided into four sections, each carefully laid out and planted to maximize the distinct characteristics and mini-microclimates within the topography. Low-lying plants protect the soil between rocks, while evergreen shrubs provide windbreaks on the exposed eastern elevation. Grassy areas frame the front of the property, allowing the mesmerizing views to take center stage.

The central courtyard, with its warm and humid climate, accommodates ferns, delicate flowers, and deciduous trees, offering shade in the summer and allowing warm winter sun to filter inside during the cooler months. A rear rock garden, adorned with evergreen shrubs, safeguards the soil and the house from water runoff while providing year-round color.

large panels of glazing flood the interiors with ambient sunlight