One House 2, Structure and Flow of an Urban Small House – The building’s spatial flow was reconfigured by demolishing the existing exterior staircase and converting the ground floor into a parking area and main entrance. The new circulation routes – connecting the parking lot, entrance, kitchen, and internal staircase – are simplified to facilitate natural movement toward the upper floors. On the second floor, the arrangement between the room, terrace, and rooftop allows the resident to enjoy a variety of spaces despite the compact size. Addressing practical needs, such as securing parking, a steel frame structure was introduced to ensure both structural stability and spatial efficiency. Windows are actively placed on the south elevation to maximize natural light, while north-facing openings are minimized to improve energy performance.
© Yoon, Joonhwan
Quiet Architecture Born In An Urban Gap – Located at the corner of a three-way intersection, the house is exposed on three sides, making its presence particularly prominent within the urban fabric. Rather than standing out aggressively, the design takes advantage of this geographical condition, blending into the surrounding landscape while assuming a symbolic role within the city’s flow. The exterior eschews excessive decoration, focusing instead on the interplay of material textures and forms. Corrugated steel – chosen for its durability and economy – is used as the primary cladding material. By combining three off-the-shelf steel patterns, the elevation gains depth and rhythmic variation. This approach demonstrates that even small-scale architecture can actively and sensitively respond to its urban context.
© Yoon, Joonhwan
Unlocking The Potential Of Urban Architecture Through Small Changes – This project in Gusan-dong explores how small-scale residential architecture can achieve both functionality and aesthetic quality in the urban center, moving beyond conventional notions of home remodeling. It seeks to demonstrate how minor yet thoughtful interventions can adapt existing structures to contemporary lifestyles without erasing their original character. Ultimately, the project proves that a “small house” need not be synonymous with confinement; with careful design and fresh perspective, it can offer a flexible, pleasant living environment. Moreover, such small architectural gestures have the potential to infuse new vitality into the city, inviting people to imagine alternative paradigms for urban residential life.
Project Info
Architects: DRAWING WORKS
Country: South Korea, Eunpyeong District
Area: 42 m²
Year: 2024
Photographs: Yoon+Joonhwan
Lead Team: JinJu Seok
Design Team: Hyunji Seo
Isabelle Laurent is a Built Projects Editor at Arch2O, recognized for her editorial insight and passion for contemporary architecture. She holds a Master’s in Architectural Theory from École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Belleville. Before joining Arch2O in 2016, she worked in a Paris-based architectural office and taught as a faculty adjunct at the École Spéciale d’Architecture in Paris. Isabelle focuses on curating projects around sustainability, adaptive reuse, and urban resilience. With a background in design and communication, she brings clarity to complex ideas and plays a key role in shaping Arch2O’s editorial