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Architects: AND
- Area: 493 m²
- Year: 2014
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Photographs:Kyungsub Shin
Text description provided by the architects. The New Town Formula
It all happened only within last few years. The mixed-use housing blocks that once were empty in Gwanggyo New Town are now densely filled with new buildings. Due to the descriptively written local codes and the economic desires of the owners that is to maximize rentable square meter, most of the buildings in the area have structurally similar designs. The typical design offers 6 parking spaces in the front of the building with the first floor dedicated for a store. Two small residential units are placed on both of the2nd and 3rd floor, and one large residence on the top floor. The local code requires the first floor store to have 50% or more transparent walls. Furthermore, 70% or more of the roof should be gabled, and the slope of the gable must be between 1:1 and 1:3 (height: distance). As a result of this specific “architectural formula,” formally similar buildings with different exterior and interior finishes create this unique urban context of the site.
A Four story building, but like a five story building
Instead of following the “architectural formula” of the area, the Gablepack proposes 5 residential units that are all similar in size – 66m². Therefore, all the units can have 2 reasonable size bedrooms and a living room. It reflects the rental demand of the area, as most of the tenants in the area are families, usually a couple with a child. It creates a better return for the owner. In order to do this, we had to invent a three dimensional puzzle like composition. Because once we place the core space, each floor is left with only 100m². As a result, Gablepack has 3 double story units, and 2 double height units, and this 4 story building has received suspicious glances as if it is a 5 story building.
Small Gables in a Big Gable
Instead of only applying a gable roof shape in the exterior, we decided to actively use the gable form to improve the interior space. We applied the gable form in the living spaces of the units, in the balconies, and on the windows. Thus, all the units have spacious floor to ceiling height and the balconies with an open view. The 2nd floor units have attics, and 3rd and 4th floor units are double story units. It is to compensate the small square meters with spacious cubic meters. The protruded balconies and the windows are all different in sizes, responding to the different characters of the units. The store space on the first floor can be divided into two stores, and the gabled entrance of the building follows the overall concept of the design.
Communal Space
As one walks into the entrance, the bright hallway, located deep inside the building, welcomes the residents. The skylight from the roof brings warm daylight deep down into the first floor lobby. As one walks up the stairs following the light, the stair hall becomes wider and meets a vertical void where one can view all 4 floors. The communal space is modestly designed, but the warm daylight fills up the space for the residents to greet their neighbours.
