vertically stacked five-story house by stpmj is wrapped in a red brick façade

the five-story house by new york and seoul-based practice stpmj occupies a small site in a highly dense neighborhood of seoul. clad in brick, the single-family residence expands over five floors, vertically stacking different zones based on the five family members’ occupancy.

all images by bae jihun

with this project, stpmj architects proposes to collect vertical lives in a single-family house which is restricted in less than 100 sqm property area with required setbacks and parking regulations. the tall and skinny residence seeks small tweaks by ‘arcing’ on major elements that define the building, including the ‘arc’ at the cantilever at the parking, the sloped wall of the fourth floor, the entry and the openings on elevations.

the program of the brick-clad house is divided according to the different family members’ needs, with a furniture-making studio for the husband and a multi-play room for the three children occupying the first floor. the second floor includes common spaces such as the living room, kitchen, and dining room, while the master bedroom, the youngest child’s room, and a small library are located on the third floor. the fourth floor offers a second gathering space that includes a bedroom, bathroom, and terrace, while the oldest child’s room is located on the fifth floor.

project info:

name: five-story house

architect: stpmj

project team: seung teak lee, mi jung lim, jeong eun kim

location: naebalsandong, seoul, korea

program: single family residential

total area: 175.7 sm

structural engineering: teo structure