apollo architects and associates: SBD25
‘SBD25’ by apollo architects and associates, seongbuk-dong, seounbuk-gu, seoul
image © masao nishikawa

tokyo and seoul-based firm apollo architects and associates have completed ‘SBD25’, a dwelling within a residential district
in northern seoul. within an area of old korean architecture, historical landmarks and castle walls, this house joins the existing
fabric large, small old and new structures. positioned on an oddly-shaped sloping site measuring 330 square meters, the arrangement of the
building maintains a building to land ratio of 30% and 60% FAR by excavating below ground. bordered with three narrow alleys,
the interior is opened to a traditional madan courtyard, a personal microcosm to look out into.

four gardens within the entry, approach, roof and interior generate tranquil scenes which are interwoven throughout the internal experience.
the backdrop of concrete and hardwood lined ceilings and floors is ideal for the owner’s line of scandinavian furniture. the neutral palette
intends to accommodate changes of inhabitants and within the encompassing environment over time.

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
exterior facade
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
excavated entry area
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
subgrade entry hall
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
stair to ground level
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
hall leads to gym
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
stairs to garden courtyard
images © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
madan-style courtyard
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
steel grill stairway
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
upper level family area
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
guest bedroom
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
view from bedroom
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
ground level living, dining area + kitchen
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
view towards madan courtyard
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
kitchen
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
(left) bathroom
(right) skylights bring light into the excavated corridors
images © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
illuminated at night
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
light from sub-grade corridor illuminates courtyard
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
entry hall
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
image © masao nishikawa

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
floor plan / level 0

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
floor plan / level 1

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
roof plan

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
floor plan / level -1

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
elevation

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
elevation

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
elevation

apollo architects and associates: SBD25
elevation

project info:

architecture: satoshi kurosaki/apollo architects & associates
photography: masao nishikawa
location: seongbuk-dong, seongbuk-gu soul
date of completion: october 2011
principal use: private housing
structure: RC
site area: 375.32m2
total floor area: 453.75m2 (236.19m2/b1f,108.89m2/1f, 108.67m2/2f)
structural engineer: SDG
mechanical engineer: EOSplus
exterior finish: exposed concrete
floor: teak flooring / tile / stone
wall: border tile / exposed concrete / acrylic emulsion paint
ceiling: teak / exposed concrete / acrylic emulsion paint