sharp edged white volumes compose IROJE KHM’s sailing house in south korea

IROJE KHM architects develops an amphitheatrical public living space that arranges the flow of individual rooms through a vertical conduit.

IROJE KHM edited by christina vergopoulou August 30, 2023 3 min

IROJE KHM Architects’ SAILING HOUSE sits next to Incheon Bridge

Sailing House by Seoul-based practice IROJE KHM Architects presents a tranquil coastal house situated on a residential site next to Incheon Bridge in South Korea. After the busy city life, the homeowners opt for a peaceful retreat to enjoy the sea view. The site’s inherent axis extends into distant seascapes, providing unobstructed ocean vistas. To capture nearby views and ensure privacy, the layout rotates each room facing toward the sea, resulting in a unique form. Dynamic shapes emerge, framed by panoramic windows, that allow spaces to enjoy the picturesque scenery. Intertwined terraces that act as observatories connect to all rooms creating a system of inward courtyards.

amphitheatrical layout interconnects living spaces vertically

Enhancing the sense of flow and tranquility, the design team introduces bodies of water in the architectural layout, such as pools, ponds, and waterfalls, to craft a visual dialogue between the elements, linking land and sea. An amphitheatrical public living space unveils panoramic seascapes, choreographing the flow of individual rooms through this vertical conduit. This common area fosters family gatherings, while the concave curved designs adorning the space pay homage to traditional Korean architecture and maritime motifs.

The Sailing House’s structure uses concrete frames, with exterior finishes in fluoride paint and exposed concrete. The interior development includes finishes of urethane paint, epoxy paint, and lacquer.

sharp edged white volumes compose IROJE KHM's sailing house in south korea - 1 — the intertwined terraces create a system of inward courtyards and promenades

sharp edged white volumes compose IROJE KHM's sailing house in south korea - 2 — the concave curved designs adorning the space pay homage to traditional Korean architecture

sailing-house-iroje-khm-architects-south-korea-designboom-1800-3 — the layout rotates each room facing toward the sea, resulting in a unique form

sharp edged white volumes compose IROJE KHM's sailing house in south korea - 3 — the interior design of the Sailing House is defined by dynamic shapes

sharp edged white volumes compose IROJE KHM's sailing house in south korea - 4 — white geometric forms compose the residence’s frame

sailing-house-iroje-khm-architects-south-korea-designboom-1800-2 — the site’s inherent axis extends into distant seascapes, providing unobstructed ocean vistas

project info:

name: SAILING HOUSE
architect: IROJE KHM Architects | @irojekhm_architects

lead architect: HyoMan Kim

design team: Kim-Dam Hee, Park-Nae Jung, Kim-Ga Young, Kim-Ye Ji, Kim-Jae Kyung

location: Unnam-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon city, Korea

photography: Sergio Pirrone | @sergiopirrone – Jeong Sik Mun – IROJE KHM Architects

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