A Retreat from the Harsh Realities of the World  

The owners of this house, a young entrepreneurial couple with a deep appreciation for traditional Korean culture, sought a personal retreat—one that resides on the boundary between city and nature, offering them a refuge from the harshness of modern life. They will come to enjoy the contrasting pleasures of a life that moves between these two extremes, embracing a dynamic and ever-changing daily existence.

Lakeside Site in a City of History and Culture

This house is situated along the lakeside park in the new town of “Jeonju”, one of Korea’s most prominent cities of traditional history and culture. Located at the heart of a newly developed residential district nestled in the urban landscape, the site enjoys a central position within the town, offering a direct view of the lake.

Cultural Identity 

In order to reflect the cultural character sought by the client, we decided to incorporate elements of traditional Korean architecture in a contemporary way. The goal was to create a culturally meaningful retreat that embodies the identity of Jeonju, a city rich in traditional culture, through a modern architectural expression grounded in Korean heritage.

Gate of Life 

The "Gate of Life," inspired by the traditional Korean architectural element “Numaru”, serves as the defining architectural concept of this house, becoming both a spatial and sculptural symbol. This gate acts as a pictorial architectural viewfinder, framing the ever-changing natural and urban scenery of the outside world. It is an “open gate” of mutual communication, allowing this enclosed and inward-facing sanctuary to engage in a dialogue with the outer world. At once a screen that filters external gazes and an “open wall” that forms an architectural boundary, this gate is also a complex frame where obstruction and openness coexist.

It becomes an observatory to appreciate the ever-shifting nature and vibrant city life beyond, as well as a healing retreat where one can savor the poetic atmosphere of the curated courtyard.

Healing Courtyard of Poetic Sentiment

The external space of this house is composed by introducing the “Madang”, a spatial characteristic of traditional Korean architecture. Enclosed on three sides, it serves as an empty space imbued with a sense of tranquility—an embodiment of “crafted nature” carrying poetic sentiment. As a vital breathing space within this enclosed retreat, the courtyard becomes a place for everyday meditation and intimate connection.

Soaring Dynamic Curves

Incorporating  the  “sense  of  ascension”—a  formative  characteristic  of  traditional  Korean  architecture—the house’s exterior was designed with a simplified and modernized curved A-type eave roof. This approach imbues the architecture with a uniquely Korean dynamism and cultural identity. 

Cloud of Hope – “Ho-un”

The name of this house, “Ho-un”, was chosen by the owner and means “cloud over the lake.” The cloud-shaped family room floating above the living room is an architectural symbol embodying the wish for the realization of the entire family's hopes.

May their shared future be filled with happiness.