glass block surfaces by studio heech enclose brick structure in seoul

Studio Heech revives a 30-year-old brick house

Mews Glass House Seoul, a project by Studio Heech, involves the transformation of a 30-year-old brick building in Seoul into a multi-generational family dwelling. The architectural intervention includes the strategic insertion of translucent glass blocks updating the existing structure for the elderly parents who originally built it and their grown-up children’s families. Constructed in 1990 and situated in a quiet Seocho-dong mews, the house‘s interior, defined by ‘U’-shaped brick walls, now features a new living room enclosed by glass blocks.

all images by Dongwoong Lee unless stated otherwise

glass block walls enclose the living areas

To address the challenge of a low ceiling height on the ground floor, the design team introduces a raised atrium and roof skylight. The glass blocks, inspired by Pierre Chareau’s Maison De Verre from 1932, serve a dual purpose by preserving private family life while allowing ample natural light. This addition brings a fresh aesthetic to the exterior, maintaining a respectful coexistence with the original brick structure that holds the family’s history and memories. Colorful tiles in the entrance hall and hallways narrate the diverse stories of three generations living together in this revamped space.

Studio Heech, transforms a 30-year-old brick building into a multi-generational family home

the architectural intervention introduces translucent glass blocks, updating the space | image by Studio Heech

the house features a new living room enclosed by glass blocks within its ‘U’-shaped brick walls

the design incorporates a raised atrium and a strategically positioned roof skylight

the glass blocks create a visual connection between the interior and the surrounding mews

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entrance hall

dining area

kitchen

glass blocks

section sketch by Heechan Park, Studio Heech

project info:

name: Mews Glass House Seoul

architect: Studio Heech | @studioheech

design team: Jiwon Park, Joohyun Shin, Taewook Jin, Heechan Park

location: Seoul, South Korea

photography: Dongwoong Lee | @woodonn

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edited by: christina vergopoulou | designboom