NOMAL builds a family home in korea that can be split into two for visiting guests

proving that architecture doesn’t have to be a fixed entity, korean design studio NOMAL has created a single family house on jeju island that can be divided into two separate residences. the project ‘summmoru’ was commissioned by a private client who’s main requirement was for a home that could be transformed to accommodate her visiting sister. as an artist, the client also wanted the house to feel like a gallery. NOMAL therefore developed an adaptable scheme that integrates plenty of large windows, inviting swathes of natural light into the interior and views out to the surroundings. 

all images ©  roh kyung

before embarking on the design process, NOMAL spent a full day and night on the site to understand the natural environment. the plot is situated 140 m away from the shore of the island and it is right in front of a small hill covered with bushes and trees. after studying the surroundings, the team understood the importance of nature on the site and when they returned to the office, the developed an architectural response that intends to value every subject of this ‘natural orchestra’.

the floor plan is divided into two boxes: one that opens out horizontally to the hill, and the other that opens up vertically to the sky. the total floor area measures 1076.39 ft2 (100 m2), which the client wanted to maximize. to create an open living space, there are no partitions except for the bathrooms and storage rooms. instead, functions are divided by use of varying floor levels and ceiling heights. for example, the first bedroom and studio have different ceiling heights, while the living room and second bedroom are separated by a step down. the client still wanted an element of privacy for the bedroom, therefore there is a vertical louver in between the bed and open space.

in order to divide into two spaces, stairs are installed in the center of the floor plan with storage underneath. instead of dividing the two spaces completely, there is a frame with a bath in between. the bath has sliding doors on either side to control the views. when the client sits down, the linear window is visible at eye level. when all the sliding doors are closed, users can lie down and look at the sky through the rooflight. these sliding doors are not only for controlling the views, but they also divide the house into two residences, as per the client’s initial brief. 

jeju island is known for its strong winds.with this in mind, the main large window of the house is recessed, creating a deep overhang that also protects against the hot sumer sun. this design element also means the client has a large outdoor deck to to experience nature while being sheltered from the wind and rain. a set of narrow external stairs leads to the roof. sandwiched between two huge walls, the dramatic experience reveals itself once arriving on the rooftop, where a panoramic view of jeju island can be enjoyed. 

project info:

project name: summmoru 

location: jeju, korea

area: 1076.39 ft2 (100 m2)

level: 1F

architect: NOMAL

lead architects: seyeon cho / minyuk chai

local architect: dosi forum

construction: trust construction

landscape: the garden

photography: roh kyung

year: february 2020

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions‘ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.