Z-house

The site is located at Gwangju Si, Gyeonggi-Do, where is not far from Seoul. Surrounded by small houses, it is at the top of a hill with deep slope. First thing to consider is to keep woods on west side of the site, not just because its slope is too deep but because it’s natural beauty of various trees and plants. Available area of the housing site is limited by the woods. The client wanted to have great views and sun light from anywhere in the house. Overall shape of the house became twisted linear to fulfill the client’s need. Facing a view of mountains on south side, the house is located.
In composition of space, relationship among programs and circulation are played important role. Ground level, which is divided by kitchen/Dining and living area and upper level, which is divided by children rooms and master zone are crossing at division area. By this manner, space is gradually ascending from entry to master zone.
Next thing to consider is to make dynamic space by changing size of space and by leading sight. High ceiling at the entrance corridor is more emphasized by sunlight through skylight and a wall, which is faced at the end of corridor, inducts eye to dining area. At this point, the ceiling height is suddenly changed by overhead ramp. High ceiling living area appears through low-rise 3step staircase, which is crossing outside water pond and inside plant area. From living area, space bifurcates to library at lower level and to upper level. Master zone, where is a climax in space scenario, is connected by a corridor and a ramp from children’s room at upper level. Master bedroom is entered through open bathroom and powder room and reconnected to entrance corridor.
Shape of the building is planned to follow the space scenario and roof, which is covered by black zinc is wrapping around upper level mass and form a homogeneous and muscular shape. Contrarily, lower level masses, which are covered by basalt, stand rigidly. Water pond and inner plant space are inserted at the crossing point of lower level mass and upper level mass.
This house is a reflex of the client’s life style. Instead of typical house, He wanted to have creative and imaginative space for his wife, a son, and a daughter. It took almost a year to sympathize with his dream and eventually, we agreed and made it.

Name of Building: Z-house
Architect: Hohyun Park + Hyunjoo Kim.
Location: 342-19 Neungpyeong-ri, Opo-eup, Gwangju Si, Gyeonggi-Do
Use: Residential
Site Area: 805.00M2
Gross Floor Area: 287.569M2
Building Area: 189.64M2
Landscaping Area: 615.36M2
Gross Floor Ratio: 26.89%
Building Coverage Ratio: 23.56%
Building Scope: 2story Building, 1story Basement
Structure: RC
Exterior Finishes: Black Zinc, Basalt, Red Cedar, Slate
Interior Finishes: Paint, Cedar, Pine, Wenge Flooring, Wenge& Zebrano staircase, Slate
Duration of Design: 2007.05 ~ 2008.03
Duration of Construction: 2008.05 ~ 2009.04
Photograph : Jungmin Seok