Hyunjoon Yoo + Partners' Hagidong House 2 Blends Traditional Korean Architecture with Modern Design
A family home in Daejeon that reinterprets Hanok principles for contemporary living.
1Site and context
Hagidong House 2 is situated on a gradual slope in Hagi-dong, Daejeon City. The 322 m² residence was completed in 2023 by Hyunjoon Yoo + Partners. The design team included Hyunseung Lee, Jaehong Kim, and Jinsung Heo. The project photographs were taken by Youngchae Park, showcasing the home's integration with its sloped terrain. Structural engineering was handled by Seum, with civil engineering by Sungwoon.
2Design inspiration
The architects drew from Hanok, traditional Korean architecture, as their primary design concept. This inspiration manifests in the home's spatial organization and relationship with nature. The team reinterpreted traditional elements for a contemporary family of four. Materials like concrete and brick were used in modern applications while respecting cultural roots. The design balances heritage with current residential needs.
3Privacy solution
A core challenge was creating privacy for the four-person family within the urban context. The architects developed the layout to shield living spaces from surrounding views. Internal circulation was designed to maintain family intimacy while allowing connection to outdoor spaces. Window placement and building massing contribute to the privacy strategy. The sloped site was leveraged to enhance seclusion without sacrificing natural light.
4Material selection
Concrete and brick were primary materials, chosen for their durability and aesthetic qualities. Eagon supplied products for the construction, though specific materials aren't detailed. The material palette reflects a modern interpretation of traditional Korean architecture. Textures and finishes were selected to age gracefully over time. The combination creates a tactile experience that connects inhabitants to the building's physicality.
5Structural approach
Seum handled structural engineering for the sloped site, requiring careful foundation work. The civil engineering by Sungwoon addressed terrain-specific challenges. M/E engineering was managed by Minsung & Hyubin, ensuring modern systems integration. NCNA served as constructor, bringing the design to fruition. The team balanced architectural ambition with practical construction realities.
6Spatial organization
The 322 m² program organizes spaces according to family needs and traditional principles. Public and private areas are carefully zoned throughout the home's footprint. Circulation paths reflect Hanok-inspired movement sequences. The design creates visual connections between interior and exterior spaces. Room placement considers solar orientation and views from the sloped site.
7Cultural reinterpretation
The project demonstrates how traditional architecture can inform contemporary living. Hanok principles guided spatial relationships and material choices without literal replication. Modern construction techniques allowed reinterpretation of heritage concepts. The home serves as a case study in cultural continuity through design. It bridges historical architectural wisdom with current residential expectations.
8Architectural significance
Hagidong House 2 represents thoughtful regional modernism in South Korea. The project shows how cultural identity can shape residential architecture today. Its success lies in balancing privacy needs with architectural expression. The design contributes to ongoing conversations about tradition in contemporary practice. It establishes a model for site-responsive, culturally-grounded family housing.