SPLK enhances relaxing spatial experiences in honsinzi house

SPLK enhances relaxing spatial experiences in honsinzi house
photo © hélène binet
all images courtesy of SPLK architects & partners

SPLK architects & partners‘ ‘honsinzi house’ (named after a lotus pond) is a holiday home in cheongdo-gun, in the southern region of korea. the place is of profound tranquility, where the rich, natural scenery reflects in the stilled mirror of the water. within this setting, the requirement was to create a 200m² home to share with family and friends for relaxation, escape, and special events.

the northern view
photo © hélène binet

a pair of parallel volumes is situated in the heart of the site open to the landscape. the disposition of the two is defined in terms of the views and programs. as circulation from the entry begins, the first is for the public areas, containing the lounge, dining room, and an inner yard which opens to the sky. the second, negotiates privacy for a guest room and two bathrooms on the ground floor, and a bedroom with a large bath on the upper level.

the living and dining space
photo © hélène binet

the architecture and the four surrounding walls create four corresponding areas, each with their own form and function. three of the partitions are headed up by blue stones – locally available and sourced material ensuring an aesthetic coherence within the surrounding nature – and the other is constructed from low iron glasses.

view from the living space
photo © hélène bine

through the transparent walls, the southern portion connects the living area to the landscape without the use of any barriers. to the east, an entrance leads the procession throughout the whole site. the west shelters diverse facilities for living – gas, electricity, water, and other systems. as the calmest zone, the northern court is for the contemplation of the dwellers in a enclosed atmosphere. all of these compositions allow for different perspectives into and through the house, enhancing the experiences of the spatial depth while mediating between enclosure and exposure.

the north façade
photo © hélène binet

as the procedures of disposition, the interior is calibrated to maintain ideas of a visual expansion. for instance, the varied height of the lounge, its wooden surfaces, and its white marble floor have been designed to keep the spatial continuity flowing throughout the building. meanwhile, the master suite and bathroom above are important spaces for relaxation, designed by a basic geometry using the white materials and wide openings.

the master bed room and bathroom
photo © hélène binet

the inner yard bears distinct qualities and purposes within the environment. when opened, the rotating wall, perpendicular to the surrounding partition plane, provides scenery and direct access to the southern court. when closed, it defines the volume and extends the space, retaining the unity of the surface as much as possible.

the inner court
photo © hélène binet

in order to be a radical passive construction, this house of simple structure and high insulation utilizes a number of sustainable measures and was largely completed by a local firm and craftsmen. it has the hybrid skeletal frame of reinforced concrete, wooden beams and studs, filled with glass wool insulation. in addition, EPS wall panels are placed on both sides of this skeleton. the façade is clad with cement boards and black stones, while the inside surfaces are made of white oak lumber standings with a height of 400mm. the aluminum profile enforces the sense of architectural harmony between the interior and exterior sides of the home. the envelope is detailed in such a way that it reduces thermal bridging, and the use of a high efficiency window system ensures a comfortable living climate.

(left) the entrance
(right) the office
photo © hélène binet

the bathroom
photo © hélène binet

the staircase
photo © hélène binet

looking from the west
photo © hélène binet

project info:

architects: SPLK architects & partners
location: hwayang-eup, cheongdo-gun, gyeongsangbuk-do, republic of korea
project area: 198 sqm
site area: 650 sqm
construction: FILOBE enc. and TL homes
main manufacturer: FILOBE system window
project year: 2012 – 2013
construction year: 2013 – 2014
photographs: hélène binet

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