NEGOK OFFICETEL

URBAN AGENCY has completed a 152 unit Officetel building with a hybrid programme between an office and a hotel as a self-contained living environment in the new development area of the Negok District, Seoul together with Soomok Architects and Imma Architects. The site at number 2-2 Negok District has both positive and negative aspects – the design concept embodies and tackles said upsides and challenges. The open view towards Mt Chunggae is utilised while the unsightly Kyungbu highway and the very closely located neighbouring building is resolved – an innovative urbanistic solution to a complex condition. We proposed a counter shape as a response to the neighbouring U-shape building; its counter U-shape not only creates a larger courtyard space together with the neighbour, but allows each unit to have its own privacy in the highly dense urban setting. The five storey building consists of micro apartment units, co-working space for start-ups, offices and community amenities. The new modular facade system composed of double-height, trapezoid terraces embraces all of the different programmes and creates its own exclusive appearance. This design procedure creates harmony between the building and its surroundings comprising of the small villas. It also deliberately breaks away from the conventional officetel typology in Korea. Devised to attract young single office workers who commute to Gangnam district, the ‘Vertical Community House’ located at the center of the building facing the sunken courtyard, is set to be the hub or ‘living room’ of the community. With diverse and flexible programmes that are spatially and visually connected such as a party room, library, multi-purpose theatre and cafe; it will be an ambient platform for accidental encounters, relaxation, rejuvenation and recharge.

Project: Officetel, Office

Size: 11,800 m², 152 units

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Client: Suhyang Networks

Collaborators: Urban Agency, Soomok, Imma

Type: Commission

Status: Completed, September 2018

Team: Heechan Park, Henning Stüben, Minjae Kwon, Borja Santurino, Jakub Śmiech, Ekaterini Toumpektsi