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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.

The Eumma Apartment project is located in the densely populated area of Gangnam, Seoul, South Korea. It serves as a high-density residential building designed to accommodate individual households while fostering a sense of community among residents. This project addresses the inherent challenges of urban living, providing a solution that balances privacy with social interaction. The design strategically utilizes vertical space to optimize the limited land area, allowing for increased housing without further land consumption.

Unique Conceptual Framework

The project’s name, “Eumma,” reflects its conceptual focus on external visibility, encouraging residents to connect with their surroundings. This focus manifests in the layout which integrates both private apartments and communal spaces, facilitating interactions among residents. Each unit is positioned to ensure ample natural light, utilizing large windows and balconies that extend the living space outdoors. This architectural approach not only addresses the need for functional living areas but also enhances the quality of life by encouraging outdoor engagement and interaction with the vibrant urban environment.

Distinct Materiality and Sustainability

The Eumma Apartment employs a carefully selected palette of materials including concrete for structural integrity, glass for maintaining transparency and connection with the outside world, marble for high-quality finishes in common areas, and steel for construction elements. The use of concrete and glass creates a modern aesthetic that is both functional and visually appealing. The sustainability of the project is accentuated through energy-efficient materials and design strategies that maximize natural ventilation and light, reducing dependency on artificial heating and cooling systems.

Focus on Community Spaces

A significant aspect of the design is the integration of communal areas that promote resident interaction. The project features shared lounges, outdoor terraces, and common kitchens, designed to facilitate social gatherings and community events. This emphasis on public space encourages a sense of belonging and community among residents, which is often lacking in urban apartment living. The central public space is positioned to be accessible from all units, reinforcing the importance of shared experiences in enhancing urban living.

The Eumma Apartment project exemplifies a thoughtful approach to urban residential architecture. It balances private living with community interaction through innovative design strategies and careful material selection. Explore the project presentation for a deeper analysis, including architectural plans and sections that illustrate the intricate details of this design and its contribution to modern urban living.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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