Saeraul is located in Yeonhui-dong, Seoul, a neighborhood filled with quiet mansion-like homes that resemble peaceful gardens in the heart of the bustling city. Along the calm alleys, many of these homes have been gently transformed into bright, wood-toned cafes and commercial spaces.
We wanted to offer a space that, while housed in a remodeled mansion like many others, carries a different mood and unique content. In this tranquil garden-like setting, we focused on the client’s desire for “complete rest within a mansion,” and that became the starting point of our design.
The name ‘Saeraul’ is a combination of “saera” (a pure Korean word meaning ‘new’) and “ul” (meaning ‘fence’), carrying the meaning of “a new and comfortable fence” for all who visit. The goal was to create a cozy mansion where visitors could rest and experience a sensory journey in a comforting environment.
The weathered concrete walls, marked with the passage of time, and the rough texture of aged materials reflect the building’s long history from its origin to the present. Without damaging the original character of the old house, we breathed new life into the structure. Emphasizing the sense of place and the brand identity born from “Saera + Ul,” we aimed to create a space that communicates the client's vision — a restful mansion that embraces the senses.
Upon entering the main door on the first floor, a courtyard appears, welcoming light into the entire space. Bamboo rises densely from the basement, providing a refreshing view. Sitting on the mezzanine terrace, the gentle sound of bamboo swaying in the wind fills the air while the surrounding spatial experience unfolds through the courtyard.
Following the hallway reveals a grand living room with a soarin
g ceiling. On one side, a white mother-of-pearl art object drapes like a large curtain, reflecting light from different angles throughout the day. It softly interacts with the glow of a fireplace nearby.
From the central sofa, the delicate, cool sound of clinking mother-of-pearl pieces occasionally rings out, creating a calm, emotional setting that offers a soothing atmosphere for rest.
Stepping out into the front yard reveals a variety of lush trees and plants, and a reflective water element tinted with green hues. This interplay between soft sunlight and vibrant greenery creates a serene sensory experience.
In the basement courtyard, water rises from the floor in circular ripples, reflecting light. Mist floats upward in a constant motion, dancing through the air. This space offers a contemplative view of nature—not in its usual form, but as a poetic dance of water and fog.
On the second floor, a table overlooks the courtyard, bamboo, and living room below. This vantage point offers a new perspective of what was experienced on the lower levels. Each room includes a terrace with a small garden, providing a place to view aged concrete and nature from anywhere inside the mansion, creating a quiet and restful environment.
Saeraul, meaning “a new, comforting fence,” is a space to wander gently through a grand, tranquil mansion. It aims to offer emotional experiences with various facets of nature, redefining the meaning of rest and bringing peace and serenity to those weary from daily life.
