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The Petit House, Cheongun

aoa architects

written by
Suh Jaewon
photographed by
Chin Hyosook (unless otherwise indicated)
materials provided by
aoa architects
edited by
Park Jiyoun

SPACE August 2025 (No. 693) 

 

 

 

The design of the house began with the client¡¯s desire to settle in Seochon, a neighbourhood in which many traces of the past remain. The eaves and walls of a nearby hanok, the bay window of the neighbouring multi-family house, the awning of a small shop that welcomes passersby, and the potted plants placed outside the homes all gently suggest what the house might look like. Though newly built, the house speaks to the neighbourhood in its familiar forms and ordinary language, designed to feel as if it had always been there, modest and unassuming. The client designated the first floor as a shared study and studio space for his wife, who majored in art, and their child, who is now in elementary school. It reflects his care and consideration for his wife and child, who would be spending much of their time at home during the day. The lowered floor, set slightly below street level to create a sense of openness, results in windows that are positioned low, making it appear as if a small house has been added onto the main structure. The brick-paved entrance adds warmth, while the open round-bar louver door reflects the client¡¯s desire not to be cut off from the neighbourhood. Unlike the first floor, where utility spaces such as the laundry room and bathroom are arranged in a compact manner, the second floor is a single open volume combining the living room, kitchen, and dining area. The exposed gabled roof, rising like a great tent, gathers the family under one expansive ceiling, deepening their sense of togetherness. A traditional wooden sliding door in the couple¡¯s bedroom, a circular window, a prominent supporting column, and repetitive windows present many memories for the client, who spent many years abroad. The exterior finish uses economical stucco, with varying textures between the first and second floors to create visual richness. This house is a direct reflection of the warm and considerate personalities of the client couple, both for their family and society. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

You can see more information on the SPACE No. August (2025).

Architect

aoa architects (Suh Jaewon)

Design team

Jeon Junho

Location

Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, Korea

Programme

single house

Site area

95.5m©÷

Building area

56.74m©÷

Gross floor area

83.28m©÷

Building scope

2F

Parking

1

Height

7.36m

Building to land ratio

57.6%

Floor area ratio

84.54%

Structure

RC

Exterior finishing

light pink semi-noncombustible stucco finish

Interior finishing

specified paint finish on gypsum board

Structural engineer

Eden Structural Engineering & Consultant

Mechanical engineer

Daedo Engineering

Construction

direct construction

Design period

June 2021 – Mar. 2022

Construction period

Apr. 2023 – Sep. 2024


Suh Jaewon
Suh Jaewon is a licensed architect and the principal of aoa architects. His major works include Jeongdong Seoul Citizen¡¯s Future School, Gangneung Hoji. He received the Korean Young Architect Award in 2017 and was selected as a recipient of the TSK Critic Fellowship in 2021. In the fall of 2024, he participated as an invited artist in the ¡®Mês da Arquitetura da Maia 2024¡¯ exhibition in Porto, Portugal. In spring 2025, he gave a public lecture at The Bartlett School of Architecture, UCL, in London. His publications include The Metagame of Architecture (2014) and In Search of Lost Korean Houses (2024). He currently teaches design studios at Seoul National University.

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