Moscow Apartment Inspired by Korean Hanok Architecture
A modern reinterpretation of traditional Korean design
1Inspiration from Traditional Korean Architecture
Inga Kordya studied 14th-century hanok structures in South Korea's Bukchon and Namsangol districts while designing this Moscow apartment. She adapted the core principles of hanoks, such as filtered light and flexible boundaries, into a modern living space. The design was tailored for a Korean couple and their two young daughters, blending cultural heritage with contemporary needs.
2Light and Material Selection
The living room features custom oak shutters designed to mimic the proportions of traditional Korean doors, complete with brass handles. When closed, these shutters transform harsh light beams into an intermittent pattern on the floor. This mechanism draws inspiration from the changhoji principle used in hanoks, where mulberry paper diffuses daylight evenly.
3Flexible Interior Design
The apartment's three bedrooms and three bathrooms are arranged around a central hall, reminiscent of the madang courtyard in hanoks. A sliding partition between the daughters' rooms allows them to merge the spaces for play. This design reflects the traditional flexibility of hanoks in a contemporary context.
4Materials and Textures
The design incorporates materials like marble, granite, natural wood, brass, ceramics, linen, wool, and cotton. These elements are appreciated for their texture and reflectance rather than saturated colors. Large-format ceramic tiles cover the hall floor, complemented by a Japanese woodblock print on handmade paper sourced from the Netherlands.
5Light Control
The main bathroom features deep gray tones for a graphic character, while the primary bedroom is equipped with rotating brass sconces. These sconces allow occupants to control where the light falls, similar to the shutters in the living room. This functionality enhances the adaptability of the space.
6Modern Meets Traditional
Rather than replicating the appearance of a traditional Korean home, Kordya translated its underlying principles into a contemporary apartment. Elements like filtered light, flexible boundaries, and adaptable rooms bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, creating a unique living environment.
7Cultural Connection
This design enables a Korean family to stay connected to their cultural roots while living in Moscow. By blending traditional hanok features with modern materials and techniques, the apartment serves as a cultural and functional bridge. It highlights architecture's ability to preserve cultural identity.
8Architectural Innovation
Inga Kordya's project exemplifies how traditional architectural principles can be adapted to modern living spaces. This design is not only an aesthetic achievement but also a cultural and functional bridge. It underscores architecture's potential to transcend boundaries and create meaningful connections.