JDS architects: gwell

‘gwell’ by JDS architects, seoul, korea all images courtesy of JDS architects

this officetel building for ‘gwell’ in the gangnam bogeumjari district in seoul, korea by JDS architects integrates office and hotel program into a contained living environment. the 10-storey building offers 25 square meter spaces for an individual, designed like compact apartments. approximately 700 units along with retail and amenities are present within the structure which accommodates the site’s hilly topography. the footprint wraps around the preexisting terrain to form a courtyard, allowing its natural qualities to enter the masterplan’s experience.

entering a new dimension for the programmatic typology, the configuration shifts the interior spaces to generate terraces with opportunities for cross-communication between neighbors, enabling an atmosphere of community within the typically transient environment. the cascade of outdoor areas defines the facade, becoming the venue’s trademark. a singular red balcony element creates a point of interest while representing the company’s logo.

aerial view

at night

model

model

model

current state of site

site location

project info:

project: residential, officetel budget: €33 million type: commission size: 38,000 sqm client: shinyoung status: ongoing 2012, construction starts in the autumn of 2012. location: seoul, south korea team: JDS, junglim architects        JDS partner in charge: henning stüben, julien de smedt project leader: heechan park project team: byeongmoo moo, francisco villeda, amanda ripoll, chris zhongtian yuan, marvin philipp, mathilde claus