A House Reborn in Gunsan’s Old Quarter
“Simply staying in a space should provide rest and ease, and through that, the strength to return to everyday life.”
Three college friends came to us with an idea: to purchase and renovate an old house in Gunsan and transform it into an Airbnb stay. The property was located in Seheungnam-dong, Gunsan, a neighborhood of 1970s single-family homes nestled together in narrow alleys, now mostly inhabited by elderly residents. Listening to their vision of reviving this long-abandoned house to introduce visitors to Gunsan’s local life, culture, and arts sparked our enthusiasm.
“We hope that stepping away from daily routines into a distinctive space will create memories that become a source of strength in everyday life.”
Our goal was to create a place where simply being there would feel restorative—a space infused with a signature scent, rich in detail, and carefully considered. We approached the project from multiple architectural angles: user circulation, sightlines, ceiling height, the relationship with nature and outdoor spaces. Every element mattered, from window proportions and sunlight orientation to interior and exterior finishes, even down to the stones in the garden wall. All of this was part of our effort to bring the old house back to its best condition.
We sought to preserve as much of the building’s structure and systems as possible, while reconfiguring the spatial layout to appeal to contemporary lifestyles and leave lasting impressions. The house was divided into two units: a smaller space designed for two guests, and a larger one suitable for families. This arrangement works well for Airbnb operations, while also allowing the property to function later as a multi-generational home with separate living quarters.
The original kitchen was transformed into a spacious bathroom with a masonry tub, while the former master bedroom became a kitchen and dining area with an island, opening up sightlines to the living room and creating a shared communal space. Upstairs, the old kitchen was converted into a bathroom and bedroom, while a cozy family room was added, connecting to the rooftop. This reorganization allowed the rooftop and courtyard views to flow naturally into the interior, blending indoor and outdoor experiences.