‘renovation (zeep-soori) of julia’s house’ by moohoi architecture, gangnam, seoul, korea image © park young-chae

seoul-based architect kim jae-kwan of moohoi architecture has designed and completed ‘renovation (zeep-soori) of julia’s house’ located in gangnam, seoul, korea. positioned within the residential district of the seocho-dong area, this design is a response to the transforming appearance and modernization of the neighborhood. the four meter wide street in front of the home is screened with a brick perimeter for privacy and improved acoustical qualities. upon passing the masonry wall, a spacious wooden deck is presented with an existing tree piercing the ground plane. an upper level terrace clad with wood slats cantilevers to partially protect the space.

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house street view image © park young-chae

spaced vertical striations obstruct views from neighbors into the dwelling while allowing daylight to permeate the interior. abundant natural light filters through the living space through a large picture window on the top floor. within the home, railings and flooring provide a material continuity between external and internal environments.

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house ground floor deck image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house first level veranda image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house living room image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house living room illuminated from above with daylight image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house view from the tea room image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house first level hallway image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house first level hallway image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house ground floor deck at night image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house first level deck at night image © park young-chaemoohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house original entrance image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house original first level veranda image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house original view from tea room image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house original living room image © park young-chae

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house (left) original floor plan / level 0 (right) new floor plan / level 0 image courtesy of kim jae-kwan

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house (left) original floor plan / level 1 (right) new floor plan / level 1 image courtesy of kim jae-kwan

moohoi architecture: renovation (zeep soori) of julia’s house section image courtesy of kim jae-kwan

project info:

architect: kim jae-kwan , moohoi architecture location: 1487-10 seocho-dong, seocho-koo, seoul, korea program: housing site area: 189.5m2 gross floor area: 237.69m2 building scope: b1, 2f exterior finishing: black brick, spruce wood interior finishing: wallpaper, spruce wood construction: kim jae-kwan design period: 2009.8~10 construction period: dec. 2009 – mar. 2010 client: julia kim + bruce jun

designboom has received this project from our ‘DIY submissions’ feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication.