9×9 experimental house in korea by younghan chung architects

‘9×9 experimental house’ challenges perceptions of existing housing types, questioning whether universal programs can ever truly meet the needs of individual residents. designed by korean studio younghan chung architects, the dwelling employs both permanent and temporary divisions of space in order to develop a distinctively personal property.

the design challenges perceptions of existing housing types
image by kim jaekyeong (also main image)

the design moves away from conventionally organized programs, and is conceived as a single unit, made up of three primary components: a furniture corridor, a variable zone, and an internal courtyard. the first wraps around three sides of the property, encouraging the user to take an active role in allocating space. here one finds cooking appliances, office resources and bathroom facilities which can be hidden behind a sliding paneled door. consequently the adjacent floor area, (the variable zone), is defined by the corridor’s function.

the dwelling forms a close relationship with the surrounding landscape
image by kim jaekyeong

a glazed internal courtyard brings light into the center of the scheme, promoting a close and constant relationship with nature, allowing the inhabitant to be permanently surrounded by greenery in every part of the residence.

carefully positioned openings protect the privacy of the house
image by kim jaekyeong

retractable windows bring a sense of nature inside the home
image by kim jaekyeong

the dwelling employs both permanent and temporary divisions of space
image by kim jaekyeong

‘borrowed greenery’ populates the property’s internal courtyard
image by kim jaekyeong

small trees grow within the internal courtyard
image by kim jaekyeong

skylights draw in natural daylight
image by kim jaekyeong

the library and closed furniture corridor
image by kim jaekyeong

‘9×9 experimental house’ lit up at night
image by kim jaekyeong

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project info:

architect: younghan, chung
design team: boram, kim
location: 77-2, samsang-ri, yangjoo-si, kyungki-do, korea
type: residential
site area: 195 sqm
building area: 78.32 sqm
gross floor area: 93.24 sqm
height: 6.3m

design period: december 2011 – may 2012
construction period: june 2012 – may 2013
completed: may 2013
exterior finishing: stuc-o-flex
interior finishing: painting on plaster board
structural engineer: tisec eng.
construction: seungwhan, ryu
photography: kim, jaekyeong