This house is for a couple who had been living in an apartment and their two sons, who are returning to Korea after completing their studies abroad. In addition to a neat and simple appearance different from that of an apartment, the client had two additional requirements: one was privacy, and the other was the need for a reception room to entertain guests, a spacious kitchen and living room, and independent spaces for the two sons, whose hobbies differ.
Typically, single-family housing plots in Pangyo are influenced by the shape and block format. This particular site was a somewhat disadvantageous square-shaped plot with three sides facing roads, except for the east side, and a building limit line on the north to secure a 4.5m public space. To uncover the value of a single-family home in Baekhyun-dong, Pangyo, it was necessary to understand the client’s requirements and the conditions of the site.
We boldly positioned the building along the boundaries of the building limit lines to form an "M" shape. We then extended four masses of different sizes upward. By minimizing windows facing the streets, the somewhat cramped spaces were opened up by an indoor garden in the central courtyard. The courtyard was placed at the center of the "M" mass to secure much-needed natural light and ventilation. Additionally, by maximizing the spacing between the smaller "M" masses, gaps were created, which were then used to introduce windows. The 4.5m public space became advantageous for forming a parking ramp. By meeting the legal slope requirements, we were able to incorporate underground parking, and this elevated structure resulted in a skip-floor layout, creating a three-dimensional floor plan.
As a result, the family, who had been accustomed to the flat space of apartment living, was able to experience tailored spaces and a sense of spatial volume. They were now able to enjoy a constantly green garden, something they could never experience in an apartment, right outside their windows.
The exterior of the house did not aim to separate itself from the neighborhood with walls and gates. The goal was to show that the entrance was always open to the neighbors while subtly screening the entrance from the street to ensure minimal privacy. The front yard, with its earth and greenery, remains exposed under the sky until entering the front door. The indoor garden, shared by the family, allowed the light and sounds from the gaps between the bricks, formed by the meticulous stacking of bricks, to inform them of the presence of the world and neighbors. In this way, the family was able to fill their memories and experiences with moments that could not be found in apartment living, set between nature and architecture.
The elevation of the Baekhyun-dong house recalls a village of small houses clustered together, with the upper volumes consisting of four "M" masses and the lower volume uniting them. The addition of an attic brought rhythm to the design, and the facade viewed from the adjacent road was even lively. The two volumes contrast with each other. The four volumes, reflecting the individual personalities of the family members, were finished with large units of stainless steel. Meanwhile, the lower volume, representing shared spaces and harmony, was carefully constructed with small, delicate units of brick, enveloping the upper volumes.
The combination of the stainless steel exterior and the tightly interlocked brick finishing creates a solid impression, protecting the family members from the outside. However, upon entering through the front door, the harmony of white marble floors and walls creates a reversal of the exterior, and the indoor garden, which changes with the light throughout the day, enriches the space with a sense of fullness. The elevation created by the underground parking naturally connects the spaces arranged around the central courtyard, flowing organically like water.
The role of the courtyard was crucial. Beyond its functional requirements, it preserved the privacy of each family member without artificial boundaries and filtered views through nature, while also maintaining a sense of openness. In a dense urban setting where it is difficult to create a yard, the courtyard brings natural light deep into the interior and helps with ventilation. It also allows for an experience of diverse expressions in the internal spaces, amplifying the charm that only single-family homes can offer.
The Baekhyun-dong house, embracing nature, will offer the joy of living in a home that apartment life had made them forget. It is hoped that the wishes and happiness of the client and their family will radiate from this small unit of the world, the house, to the wider world.
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