One House 2
THE GUSAN-DONG SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSE: COMPACT URBAN LIVING REIMAGINED
The Gusan- dong single-family house is the second project to extend the concept of a ‘house for one person’ into an urban context. While the first house - built on a mountainside in Yeongdong, Chungcheongbuk-do - explored solitary living in nature, this project investigates the possibility of creating a pleasant one- person dwelling within the density of the urban fabric by remodeling an existing structure. Each of the two floors measures approximately 21m2, with the design aiming to achieve maximum efficiency within a minimal footprint. The layout is characterized by a simple, clear circulation line, emphasizing the functional use of every part of the interior. The exterior is designed to assert a quiet presence within the narrow alleys and tightly packed residential surroundings, avoiding any sense of overwhelming scale.
STRUCTURE AND FLOW OF AN URBAN SMALL HOUSE
Thebuilding’sspatialflowwasreconfigured by demolishing the existing exterior staircase and converting the ground floor into a parking area and main entrance. The new circulation routes - connecting the parking lot, entrance, kitchen, and internal staircase - are simplified to facilitate natural movement toward the upper floors. On the second floor, the arrangement between the room, terrace, and rooftop allows the resident to enjoy a variety of spaces despite the compact size. Addressing practical needs, such as securing parking, a steel frame structure was introduced to ensure both structural stability and spatial efficiency. Windows are actively placed on the south elevation to maximize natural light, while north-facing openings are minimized to improve energy performance.
QUIET ARCHITECTURE BORN IN AN URBAN GAP
Locatedatthecornerofathree-wayintersection, the house is exposed on three sides, making its presence particularly prominent within the urban fabric. Rather than standing out aggressively, the design takes advantage of this geographical condition, blending into the surrounding landscape while assuming a symbolic role within the city's flow. The exterior eschews excessive decoration, focusing instead on the interplay of material textures and forms. Corrugated steel - chosen for its durability and economy - is used as the primary cladding material. By combining three off- the-shelf steel patterns, the elevation gains depth and rhythmic variation. This approach demonstrates that even small-scale architecture can actively and sensitively respond to its urban context.
UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF URBAN ARCHITECTURE THROUGH SMALL CHANGES
Thisproject in Gusan-dong explores how small-scale residential architecture can achieve both functionality and aesthetic quality in the urban center, moving beyond conventional notions of home remodeling. It seeks to demonstrate how minor yet thoughtful interventions can adapt existing structures to contemporary lifestyles without erasing their original character. Ultimately, the project proves that a "small house" need not be synonymous with confinement; with careful design and fresh perspective, it can offer a flexible, pleasant living environment. Moreover, such small architectural gestures have the potential to infuse new vitality into the city, inviting people to imagine alternative paradigms for urban residential life.
