Brick by Brick

By Marina Correa

Photography: Sun Namgoong; courtesy the architects

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Resembling a fish-like structure, this house in Korea is designed by JOHO Architecture, where ingenious brick placement appears as scales that glisten in the sunshine, lending it a striking character and making one want to sit-up and take note of the structural process involved.

The Seoul-based architects are known for their evocative facades; be it the ‘lattice-wrapped’ Namhae Cheo-ma house or the ‘image-changing’ Herma Parking building. But what is truly noteworthy in this Curving House, is the consistency of detailing and diligence that shows on the outside envelopes other areas as well.

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For instance, the architect has erected pilotis (stilts) beneath the rectangular mass to allow for parking space and has thereby opened up valuable area for the creation of a green patch in front of the house.

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Similarly, by carving out a concave lens-shape to the rectangular mass, air circulation is well facilitated, reducing heat load. And in terms of natural ventilation, skylights; double glazed windows; slit windows and moveable doors bring in a flood of sunlight.

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Keeping true to the Korean architectural style, architect Jeonghoon Lee has woven many traditional components such as the curved roof line, space flexibility and a buffer space for meeting visitors in a contemporary avatar.

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The brick façade variation is truly the highlight of the house, where each row of bricks has been turned at different angles (ranging from 1° to 25°) to embrace the concrete surface, like fish scales, leading to a simply stunning pattern.

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As if by default, the silver water-repellent coating to the ash-coloured bricks plays out elements of chiaroscuro with the shifting incidence of the sun. Similarly, sturdy bricks have been juxtaposed against shiny stainless steel surfaces dissolving themselves within the surrounding landscapes of the changing seasons.

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In terms of the material palette, super insulation in the bottom slab pads the flooring so that it acts as a thermal mass; different sizes of rooftop windows bring in warmth and light, while use of pine wood flooring in the bedroom and living rooms adds warmth.

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Overall, the project stands testimony to that fact that good design need not be flashy or over-the-top. A well orchestrated design highlighting just one feature can also prove to be a master stroke!