From the back, forming an intended line, these houses are constructed along the boundary lines on the cadastral map, so they fit in with their surroundings. While the wall line is adjusted to an axis parallel on the boundary line, it is not parallel with the road and instead forms an angle to the road. Through this classical misalignment, these houses try to realise a combination of crossing masses. The misalignment figures the Modernism which features geometrical aesthetics that many are familiar with. It also seems to reflect a kind intention to make these houses accommodate to surroundings and keep the context at the same time. It appears far too plain, however, and that is why the architect divides this house into a frame (skin) at the front and a picture (body) at the back, connecting the two again trying a three-dimensional modeling.
Windows and openings designed in the modeling process add zest to the owner’s daily life. On the one hand, including different shapes of pots placed in a fragmented space near the stairs leading to the second floor, seems to imply the owner is at a loss. This fragmented space hinders a mass combination. However, it appears that the architect should be more active and bold when realising a mass combination. On the other hand, the room with a nice view, the terrace on the second floor suitable for a party with a view over the sea, and simple and inexpensive materials emotionally link the house to its owner and make up for any minor drawbacks. The owner is a modest and simple person who always feels grateful for the house.
Considering the concept of the ‘perceptible frame’, the upper part of the parking space entrance on the left-front side of the house, which is an essential element of the architecture, should have been designed as a part of the detached frame. The parking space hows the architect’s hesitancy when framing and the architect’s intention to hide behind functionality of the parking space. Perhaps he as tried to be too nice in accommodating the person occupying the house. A little awkwardness is okay. In fact, it would be even better if it were as awkward as Michel Gondry’s work. Awkwardness draws attention. The audience wants to be stimulated and participate. After our visit, the owner was rushing out of the house to go to work. After watching him through the window in the detached frame, I thought that architects don’t have to be only nice.
Texted by. Sinwook Oh
Team:
Lead Architect : Sinwook Oh
Partner Architect : Jungmin No
Design Team : Jungah Park, Jungwoon Ha, Youngsook Lee, Daewon Kim
Construction : Taebaik Construction
Structural Engineering : Daisung ENC
Mechanical Engineering : Dyne ENG
Electric and Communication Engineering : Youngsin ENG
