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Vertical Living Enhanced by Expansive Glass and Natural Timber Elements in Urban Housing

Author:
Dae Cheol Kim
Vertical Living Enhanced by Expansive Glass and Natural Timber Elements in Urban Housing

Project in-detail

Expansive glass facades and natural timber elements define a vertical living solution that integrates community spaces and private residences, addressing the needs of urban life in Gangnam.
5 key facts about this project
01
Expansive glass facades maximize natural light and views while maintaining privacy for residents.
02
Natural timber elements include cross-laminated panels that enhance structural efficiency and aesthetics.
03
The design incorporates spacious communal areas, fostering a strong sense of community among residents.
04
A bent A-frame design elevates the architectural profile while optimizing space within the urban context.
05
Sustainable construction methods reduce environmental impact while meeting modern living demands.

## Architectural Design Analysis: Eumma Apartment Project

### Overview

The Eumma Apartment project is located in Gangnam, Seoul, an area characterized by its dynamic urban lifestyle and high-density residential development. The design aims to enhance community engagement while addressing the limitations often associated with urban living. The architectural expression integrates functionality with an emphasis on aesthetics, providing both private and communal living experiences tailored to contemporary needs.

### Spatial Strategy

The project's name, "Eumma," translates to "look outside" in the Chungcheong dialect, encapsulating its design philosophy focused on external connectivity. To optimize urban space, the design utilizes a vertical expansion strategy that increases housing units without extending the building's footprint. This approach preserves ground space while fostering an environment where both personal and communal needs are met. Each apartment is arranged to promote privacy while simultaneously allowing for social interaction, striking a necessary balance in high-density housing.

The floor plan features a central public space around which private areas are organized, ensuring an abundance of natural light and views for all residents. This thoughtful arrangement encourages residents to engage with their surroundings, enhancing the living experience and integrating them into the vibrant context of Gangnam.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

Materiality plays a pivotal role in influencing the project's overall aesthetic and functionality. Key materials include:

- **Concrete**: Utilized for structural integrity, offering both durability and an urban aesthetic.
- **Glass**: Extensively employed in facades to maximize natural light and blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor settings.
- **Marble**: Selected for common areas, adding a touch of elegance while providing durability.
- **Steel**: Incorporated in structural elements, supporting safety and modern design lines.

These materials are chosen not only for their practical functions but also for their contribution to the design philosophy of transparency and connectivity, aligning with sustainable urban development goals by minimizing energy consumption while enhancing the quality of life for residents.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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