Architects: Todot Architects and Partners
Area: 137 m²
Year: 2023
Photographs: Jinbo Choi
Manufacturers: Enscape, Cultra System, Trimble Navigation
Lead Architects: So Jung Ho, Cho Byung Kyu
Mechanical Engineers: Hanbit Safety Technology Group
Electrical Engineers: Chunil MEC
Contractors: KSPNC
Structural Engineers: Delta Structure
Products used in this Project: 3D Real-Time Rendering Software (Enscape)
Project Managers: Cheol-kyu Chris Cheon, So Jungho
Junior Architects: Lee Jaejun, Shim Keonkyu
City: Yangpyeong-gun
Country: South Korea
Mangmi Farm, designed by Todot Architects and Partners, is situated in Mangmi Village in Yangpyeong, South Korea, nestled in a valley where three mountains converge. The serene site, rooted in rich memories, features a forest that plays a crucial role in the design. The retired client couple requested a community facility, a glasshouse, and a campsite to complement their fruit tree farm.
The project is located in Mangmi Village in Yangpyeong, South Korea, nestled in a valley where three mountains meet. This serene and vibrant site, situated deep in the mountains, has a calm and peaceful atmosphere. After retirement, the client couple has been living here, growing fruit trees. They requested the addition of a community facility, a glasshouse, and a campsite. The most important feature of the site is the forest, with trees that have been rooted there for a long time, holding the memories of the place.
Birch trees, widely distributed in colder parts of the world, including Northern South Korea, inspired the architectural intervention. Birch trees, with their silver and slender appearance, grow up to 20 meters high. The aim was to create a structure that harmonizes with the forest, resembling a birch tree and blending naturally over time.
What does it mean for a building to resemble a tree? Trees exhibit various types, shapes, and features depending on their species. However, the most common and primitive form associated with a tree is the geometric shape of a triangle. Geometry is both the most complete and simple form. The architects found potential in a triangle to combine walls and roofs into a single form. By using the commonly available SPF structural wood length of 20 feet (6.1 meters), they achieved three stories angled at 60 degrees without needing additional wood pieces.
The warm texture of wood materials is emphasized throughout the project. Wood is used for exterior and interior walls, the roof structure, floor finishes, and stair treads, offering a variety of warm textures. Spruce wood studs in the roof structure, installed at 400mm intervals, serve as structural elements and architectural features. Pine tree plywood, selected for the interior finish, interacts naturally with the spruce rafters, adding to the warm ambiance.
The exterior materials are chosen to resemble the silver bark of birch trees. The silver galvanized steel roof mirrors the pattern of a birch tree colony. Cedar, with a light brown skin that turns silver-gray over time due to silicide treatment, is used on the exterior. Oak is used for the stair treads and flooring, providing a vivid and delicate wood grain that adds character to the space. The variety of wood species and natural lighting enhances the depth and warmth of the simple design, creating a sanctuary for city dwellers.
The layout of the buildings considers the site’s slope, starting from a lower level and rising gradually. Different sequences are perceived as one ascends the site. The mass exposed at the entry blends with the environment while making a strong impression. Mid-level reveals birch trees and hidden cabins, arranged in small entangled units that harmonize with the surrounding greenery.
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Project Location
Address: Mangmi-ri, Jipyeong-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
