Architects: REALSPACE ARCHITECTS
Area: 258 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Young-Chae Park
Lead Architects: Hyunseung Lee
City: Gijang-gun
Country: South Korea
On Hue Residence residential building designed by REALSPACE ARCHITECTS in Busan, South Korea responds to the transition of Daera-ri in Gijang-eup from an industrial zone to a residential district by creating a compact, community-integrated structure. Positioned near natural green space and benefitting from improved transportation links via Gijang Station, the site reflects shifting land use patterns. The design emphasizes interaction at street level through a minimized piloti structure that visually anchors the building in the landscape. A staircase positioned along the northern edge incorporates sculpted “Cheese Eye” openings that bring light and soften resident movement. Internally, an east-west axis enables deep spatial perspectives, with brightly lit southern living areas contrasted by shaded northern service spaces. Curved forms are introduced to comply with solar access restrictions, culminating in a soft interior ridge named On-gok (溫曲), providing warmth and relaxation. The freeform geometry and varied facade expressions aim to create a sense of novelty that harmonizes with its surroundings over time, acting as a model for sensitive urban transformation.
The site is situated at the boundary where residential zones meet natural green spaces in Daera-ri, Gijang-eup, Busan. Although it lies at a considerable distance from central Busan, it holds a strategic location within Gijang County, offering convenient access to the broader urban area. As a result, this area has long seen factories and warehouses coexisting alongside residential developments. However, the opening of Gijang Station on the Donghae Nambu Line has improved public transportation, thereby increasing the area’s overall livability. Rising land values have further accelerated the demolition of industrial buildings, paving the way for multi-family and multi-unit housing as well as related neighborhood facilities. In response to this shifting urban landscape, the architects set out to design a small-scale building that contributes to a more residentially oriented environment, replacing the industrial fabric with a more community-friendly presence.
Rooting Down: The first floor functions not only as a space for residents but also as a visual point of engagement for pedestrians, helping the building assert a strong presence within its surroundings. Although a piloti parking structure was required, the number of columns was reduced, and the upper volume was visually separated and defined through distinct geometric forms. The intention was to create the impression that the building had grown organically from the ground, like a tree firmly rooted in the landscape.
Openings – Cheese Eyes: Due to the narrow dimensions of the site, the staircase had to be positioned as far to the north as possible in order to maximize usable space for the residents. The interior and exterior surfaces of the common areas were finished with exposed euroform concrete, allowing the greatest possible area to be dedicated to residential use. To prevent the northern staircase from becoming a dark, purely utilitarian vertical shaft, a series of freeform openings were carefully integrated. These openings, referred to as “Cheese Eyes,” not only allow natural light to enter but also create subtle visual connections with the outside. Moreover, they function as spatial filters that soften encounters between residents, reducing the chance of sudden or startling interactions.
Deep Perspectives: To make the interior of the relatively compact house feel more spacious, the design established a strong east-west axis that allows extended views throughout the space. From within, long sightlines extend through the corridor, while the view from the entrance opens toward the distant west. Along this axis, the southern side accommodates the master bedroom, living room, and dining area—spaces that benefit from abundant natural light. In contrast, the northern side is reserved for functional areas such as the dressing room, bathroom, and kitchen. This layout clearly differentiates zones within the house based on their lighting needs.
Warm Curves (On-gok, 溫曲): To optimize the area constrained by the northward solar access diagonal restriction, the remaining space was used for a sink and a compact kitchenette, improving spatial efficiency. By contrasting the northward 1:2 angled diagonal with a southward slope, the design introduced mismatched gables, while the interior ridge was shaped with a gentle curve. This curved form carries the language of the exterior into the interior, creating a soft, flowing space that offers a sense of warmth and relaxation, a quality reflected in the name On-gok (溫曲).
Freeform and Novelty: Within the constraints of the functional layout, the design introduced freeform curves and openings, resulting in a facade that is both playful and unfamiliar. The visual novelty generated by the building’s diverse expressions is intended to gradually harmonize with its surroundings, forming a familiar connection over time. The architects envision the building as a welcoming, warm space that will serve as a catalyst for continued development in the area.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: Daera-ri, Gijang-eup, Gijang-gun, Busan, South Korea
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
The Hue Residence is a stunning example of how thoughtful architecture can transform living spaces into works of art. REALSPACE ARCHITECTS have beautifully balanced functionality with aesthetics. It’s inspiring to see such attention to detail in design. At Artisticks, we deeply resonate with this vision—especially when it comes to incorporating traditional charm in modern spaces. Our handcrafted Tulasi Maadam in Brass for Home and Indoor Decoration blends seamlessly with contemporary interiors, offering a timeless touch to any residence.