Sukchulmok and BRBB Architects use "sculptural forms" for self-designed studio in Seoul
South Korean studios Sukchulmok and BRBB Architects have transformed a 1970s brick building in Seoul into their own workspace and residence, contrasting its blocky exterior with curvilinear timber-lined interiors.
Named Myeongnyun Sogul, the original residential building dates from 1974 and steps down a sloping corner site in Myeongnyun-dong, a neighbourhood defined by red-brick architecture.
Sukchulmok and BRBB Architects have maintained the building's distinctive exterior, but converted its interiors into a series of shared living, studio and exhibition spaces by inserting a series of sculptural, curved elements in concrete, timber and steel.
"Myeongnyun-dong is a residential neighbourhood characterised by a dense fabric of red brick buildings developed over many years, and we aimed to preserve the character of this streetscape as much as possible," Sukchulmok director Hyunhee Park told Dezeen.
"Externally, the most significant gesture lies in accentuating the aged texture of the existing building. Internally, the project focuses on embedding everyday functional elements within sculptural forms," he added.
The functions of the building are organised across three levels, with the entrance leading directly into a ground-floor social space. Here, a concrete-and-plywood bar is flanked by a curved steel-clad storage area and a tiled bathroom.
Concealing this bathroom from view is a wall built from stacked, curved sections of concrete, metal and timber that surround a cylindrical pillar.
The ceilings above contrast the sleeker finishes of the new additions, with the rough concrete beams of the existing building left exposed alongside structural reinforcements in white-painted steelwork.
A long, pill-shaped bench overlooks the basement level through a void in one corner of the room. In the basement is a flexible exhibition space with a built-in display wall, alongside an additional workspace and bedroom concealed by folding doors.
Above, Myeongnyun Sogul's top level forms the main living space, lined with Okoume plywood that curves around the ends of doorways. This is paired with a green-toned floor and light fittings inserted into dome-shaped impressions in the ceiling.
In order to keep the spaces as open and flexible as possible, the curving elements throughout the studio conceal extensive storage as well as the building's mechanical systems.
"Appliances and mechanical systems are concealed within spatial volumes, avoiding the appearance of conventional built-in furniture," explained Park.
"Curved walls, in particular, integrate lighting, sound, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems, allowing the spatial forms themselves to perform multiple functions simultaneously," he added.
"Finishes were intentionally minimised to reveal the materials in their most authentic state, allowing traces of handcraft and process to remain visible and the natural qualities of the materials to establish the overall tone and atmosphere."
Sukchulmok and BRBB Architects previously collaborated on the design of Pojeon House, a brick-and-concrete home near Seoul which wraps around a vegetable garden at its centre.
Other projects by Sukchulmok include a bakery in Seoul wrapped with a stainless-steel facade.
The photography is by Hong Seokgyu.
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