Orange-hued panels of weathering steel encase the upper storey of this residence in South Korea, which is elevated above the treetops of its mountain forest setting .
Korean architect Seung H-Sang, director of Seoul-primarily based studio Iroje Architects & Planners, designed the secluded house for a plot between a fir forest and botanical gardens in Gunwi, a county in South Korea’s Gyeongbuk province.
The two-storey residence is named Hyunama, which means “black and shady cottage” according to the architect. It comprises a Corten steel volume that cantilevers in excess of a single side of its reinforced concrete base.
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A boxy bay window protrudes from the western facade of the upper storey to offer you residents uninterrupted views of the forest and of sunsets over a close by reservoir.
Actions lead from an accessibility trail up the inclined and planted roof to an observation spot with a rusty steel bench facing down above the treetops.
“The site is situated in the centre of the mountain where you can see nothing but the mountain and the sky,” said Seung H-Sang.
“When you see this home at a distance, you will locate it protruded from the ground as if it has just come out of the underground into the globe after waiting a lengthy time.”
The client planted five little botanical gardens along the access road that passes via the dense fir forest to the property. The building slopes up from the finish of the garden trail, transforming the roof into an artificial hill covered with grasses.
A deep Corten-lined minimize in the sloping roof provides access to the upper floor of the 137-square-metre residence. Inside, two separate living spaces are linked by a spiral staircase.
Additional rooms like a bathroom and kitchen are located in direction of the back of the framework behind slatted timber screens and raw concrete walls.
“You have no idea of what you will see more than the gate,” explained the architect. “Enter there and then you will find oneself in a deep embrace of the majestic normal landscape. No architectural notion exists there, only you and the nature in total silence.”
“When you climb on the hill and sit down on a cold Corten chair in the grass forest, you will really feel like you are a element of the nature,” he additional.
Seung H-Sang was named Seoul’s initial city architect last 12 months and in his new position is heading up a staff of architects, planners and urbanists that will oversee the organizing and bidding method for all public tasks in the capital.
He previously worked with South Korean architect Kim Swoo Geun prior to setting up Iroje Architects & Planners in 1989, and also co-curated the Gwangju Style Biennale with Chinese artist Ai Weiwei in 2011.
Photography is by Jong Oh Kim.
Web site plan 
Ground floor plan 
Rooftop prepare 
Prolonged sections 
Cross sections Dezeen
