wise architecture: y house

‘y-house’ by wise architecture, seoul, korea image © hyochel hwang all images courtesy of wise architecture

korean practice wise architecture has re-envisioned the typical multiplex with ‘y-house’, a residential block with units for multiple families in seoul, korea. an irregular plot derived the angled footprint and folded roof while maintaining views towards the south. the architects focused the design upon its future inhabitants rather than producing a structure which has resulted merely from 2-dimensional drawings and economy-driven decisions to maximize gross area. instead the building emerged from spatial studies to produce a 3-dimensional experience with an emphasis upon economic volume. traditional windows within the translucent polycarbonate facade generate the feeling of a larger interior by minimizing the solid enclosure.

the site’s unusual shape forms a sheltered public room at ground level. accessible to passersby, the area offers a seating area along a garden with trees and vegetation which are planted and tendered by dwellers. above the space, lofted apartments are placed along the northern side of the building due to the possibility for wasted floor space. a low wooden table offers an outdoor surface to work or relax.

side elevation image © hyochel hwang

view from street image © hyochel hwang

street elevation image © wise architecture

facade illuminated at night image © wise architecture

facade detail image © wise architecture

ground level public room image © hyochel hwang

interior of ground level public room image © hyochel hwang

stairs to loft image © hyochel hwang

living and dining area image © hyochel hwang

living area image © hyochel hwang

office image © hyochel hwang

floor plan / level 2

section

program diagram

project info:

design: wise architecture project team: youngchul jang, sookhee chun, cindy moon location: 652 geumho-dong 2-ga, seongdong-gu, seoul, korea zoning district: residential area site area: 310m2 building area: 176m2 gross floor area: 785m2 program: multi-family housing building scope: b1 ~ 4f structure: reinforced concrete structure finishing: color metal panel cladding, switec polycarbonate bdl system construction: hangul construciton co. completion: 2010. 4 photographer: hyochel hwang

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