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009 Kluserstrasse

Location: Basel, Switzerland
Year: 2019-2022
Status: Completed
Program: Single-Family Home
Area: 293m²
Client: Private
Images: Piotr Hraptovich
Team: KL-AR, Studio Oprea

The project 'Haus Kluserstrasse' is a complete renovation of an almost unchanged single-family house from the 1930s. Located in an old residential area of Basel, it consists of 3 volumes that together form the end of a row of houses.

The interventions in the buildings' fabric meet the requirements of a contemporary residential building and allow for a new conception of the relationship with the surrounding neighborhood, which was previously expressed primarily through a cumbersome massiveness. In order to create a new dialogue with the built environment and to emphasize the conclusion of the row of buildings, the existing façade is softened and the protruding parts of the building are unified by the newly introduced external insulation and extended longitudinally by the addition of the mansard roof, thus reducing the original 3 volumes to 2. The front elevation is emphasized by the merging of the two lateral mansard roofs, in line with the buildings on the neighboring streets, and is given a new, striking finish by the reduction of the openings to a large, two-part circular window. By dividing it into two parts, it appears as a prominent classic skylight in the cityscape and allows for optimal illumination of the stairwell behind it.

The simple materiality of the outer skin, an interplay of smaller concrete elements, metal and wood, is dominated by generous plaster surfaces: The existing load-bearing façade was treated with a coarse-grained, pigmented mineral plaster and washed to expose the aggregates. The plaster, together with the rough trowel finish on the garden wall, was chosen to reinforce the relationship with the neighborhood, which has numerous similar examples, and to provide a familiar and solid materialization appropriate to the site. Dark wood-metal windows with anodized metal frames emphasize the deep window reveals and allow for a thoughtful transition from the plaster facade to the windows.

The nested floor plan on the first floor was redesigned to create a flowing, open space. Loads from the upper floors are locally absorbed by steel beams and transferred to the structural walls. The loads of the south-east facades are transferred by a new support structure consisting of a beam and a reinforced concrete column. This element is integrated as a central point in the new spatial design. The space at the corner of Kluserstrasse and Aescherstrasse is considered now as one element and is designed as a tower-like structure that directly blends into the roof structure and is naturally lit in the middle. On the upper floors, the load bearing interior walls are unified and aligned.

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022 Gaebong Youth Center

Location: Seoul, South Korea
Year: 2024
Status: Competition 4th place
Program: Youth Center
Area: 1’224m²
Client: Seoul Metropolitan Government
Images: KL-AR
Team: KL-AR, Studio RKY

PROLOGUE
A multitude of multi-family residences, each walled off, line a narrow street. The two- to three-story multi-family and multi-unit houses, constructed primarily in the 1980s, feature aging red brick exteriors and repetitive exterior staircases. This contributes to a monotonous and closed streetscape. The area is devoid of greenery and open space, and the streets are not grade-separated, which prevents local residents from having a suitable place to meet. In light of these issues, we propose the construction of a social center that is open to all residents and will invigorate the area.

The site is a corner lot where two rows of buildings on different axes meet, facing three streets. Given the site's high level of traffic from multiple directions, our objective was to dedicate as much of the ground level as possible to open space for local residents. Three open spaces were created in response to the varying road conditions on the three sides of the site, which have different hierarchies and characteristics. The lobby and core are situated in the triangular area at the center of the site, which is naturally formed by the open space.

1.The forecourt is located on the south side of the property, adjacent to the 6-meter-wide road. This courtyard serves as a gathering place for visitors to the mixed-use center and local residents alike, offering a convenient location for friendly conversation and hosting flea markets and other events.
2. On the west side, facing the pedestrian path, a sunken yard and bicycle parking lot were incorporated into the design with the intention of providing convenient access for the center's primary pedestrian traffic, namely young people. The sunken yard is linked to the hideout zone on the basement level and offers a range of activities for young people.
3. A parking lot was designed on the east side, adjacent to the 4-meter-wide lane, to segregate vehicle traffic from the front yard and sunken yard. To ensure the safety and enjoyment of residents, louvers and trees were installed to block the view of the parking lot, allowing for unobstructed access to the front yard and sunken yard.

MASSING CONCEPT
Due to the restrictions on sunlight rights, a stepped massing with a terrace on the north side was the optimal solution. The ground floor is open to the public space, and given the height of the surrounding buildings, which average approximately 7.5 meters, a large outdoor terrace on the third floor is also provided for patrons to enjoy the panoramic view. While the massing is simple, the addition of green balconies, exterior stairs, and metal mesh panels lends the project a distinctive identity through its colorful spaces and elevations.

PROGRAM ZONING
The facility has been divided into three distinct zones: the shelter zone, the youth counseling and welfare center zone, and the dream center zone. Each zone is separated by floor, but programs have been implemented to facilitate communication and collaboration between them.

The basement's hideout zone has a separate entrance and exit so it can operate independently as needed, and teens can use it without adult interference. Sunken and voids were planned to allow for ample natural light and flexible spaces to accommodate creative activities. The lobby and reception are located on the ground floor to facilitate information and operational connections for each zone. The lower floors, the 2nd and 3rd floors, are the Dream Dream Center zones. Considering the nature of the program, which is mainly participated in groups, the third floor has an open layout, and the space is planned so that events connected to the terrace can be held as needed. On the fourth floor, the integrated offices of the Youth Counseling and Welfare Center and the Dream Dream Center were planned for more efficient operation. On the upper floors, floors 5-7, the Youth Counseling and Welfare Center zone is located where privacy is important. All rooms are planned to have plenty of natural light, and the green balconies facing the counseling rooms and waiting areas provide privacy and block out noise to create a cozy and comfortable counseling space.

FLEXIBILITY
The vertical circulation and service cores are concentrated on the west side of the building, with the area decreasing in the north-south direction as you go to the upper floors due to sunlight rights oblique restrictions. This allows for a greater sense of openness and flexibility to respond to future program changes.

VERTICAL CIRCULATION
The staircase, which is planned in different shapes according to the program zoning, serves not only as a vertical circulation but also as a reflection of the spatial characteristics of each program zone.

The staircase, which extends from the lobby to the basement hideaway zone, serves as a spatial device for audience seating for small performance stages or as a forum for discussion. The triangular staircase, which extends from the first to the third floor, functions as an open pathway through the Dream Center Zone, providing access to the hall and terrace on the third floor. The exterior staircase, which connects the fourth and seventh floors, offers a unique experience of viewing the city as one ascends between floors. Additionally, it contributes to the elevation plan, which harmonizes with the surrounding neighborhood and infuses the upper floors with dynamism.

STRUCTURAL CONCEPT
The structure is comprised of an economical reinforced concrete skeleton. The second floor is designed to be a Vierendeel truss structure, which will allow the forecourt situated beneath the pilotis on the first floor to be utilized as an entirely open space, devoid of any supporting columns.

FACADE
A facade system comprising curtain walls, extruded metal mesh panels, and green balconies was designed to regulate light and provide privacy.
From an internal perspective, the shadows cast by the mesh panels introduce a sense of rhythm to the space. From an external standpoint, the green balconies visible through the mesh panels imbue an area devoid of greenery with a sense of vitality.
The objective was to create a public space with a fresh image and a distinct identity for the building by employing a modern and open façade that contrasts with the aging local landscape.

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020 YC Museum

Location: Yeongcheon, South Korea
Year: 2023
Status: Competition 1st place
Program: Historical Museum
Area: 4’080m²
Client: Yeongcheon City, Culture and Arts Department
Images: XAOS GmbH
Team: KL-AR, Kkh Architects

If one follows the vineyards that unfold one after the other, you will arrive at the museum grounds at the foot of Mt. Mahyeon. The access road to the museum leads gently to the parking lot at the edge of a large park. Gently curving walkways lead visitors from two site entrances to the museum.

Located in a designated natural green area, the museum consists of five simple, unobtrusive buildings. The program is intentionally distributed among these buildings according to their specific functions to minimize the impact on the site, with the largest volume being the permanent exhibition space and directly related programs.

The building volumes are arranged according to the descending topography to add a sense of depth to the landscape and create a dialogue with the adjacent context. The resulting in-between spaces form a central courtyard and backyard where various events and outdoor exhibitions can be held.

The façade of warm textured wood and translucent polycarbonate panels seeks to soften and diffuse the impact of the buildings, creating an atmosphere that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape.

Upon entering the lobby, a ramp that runs along the courtyard leads to the exhibition space, which is arranged on a single floor that allows for flexible exhibition planning with different levels of natural and artificial light, made possible by a complex ceiling system.
The wide-span exhibition space is constructed of glued laminated timber (GLT) beams and pre-engineered laminated timber (CLT) panels reminiscent of traditional wooden structures.

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020 YC Museum/2

Location: Yeongcheon, South Korea
Year: 2023
Status: Construction start 01.05.2024
Program: Historical Museum
Area: 4’700m²
Client: Yeongcheon City, Culture and Arts Department
Team: KL-AR, Kkh Architects

Following the successful conclusion of the competition, it became necessary to undertake a period of reflection. The project team was required to navigate the ever-changing needs of the client, the evolving curatorial concepts and the specific regulatory requirements of the Korean context, while maintaining the integrity of the overall design proposal. The adjacent park underwent a significant expansion, with the addition of a playground, and the building's footprint increased considerably. The introduction of a new basement level and the relocation of the art storage, which was previously located in a separate volume, necessitated the planning and budgeting of additional resources. An updated circulation route based on curatorial and accessibility requirements was simplified.

Previous material choices required some adjustment due to the incompatibility of the polycarbonate panels with local fire codes. The project aimed to advance the boundaries of timber construction in Korea, yet it was also cognizant of the nascent timber construction industry. Consequently, the wood-clad exterior facade was modified to wood cement composite panels to accommodate a fast project schedule that did not allow for the recently introduced extensive fire testing regulations for wood facades required by the fire code. Additionally, budgetary constraints necessitated this change. The warm wood character of the interior was prioritized, and it is now complemented by a steel column structure.

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001 Helfensteinweg

Location: Dornstadt, Germany
Year: 2018
Status: Completed
Program: Apartment renovation
Area: 90m²
Client: Private
Images: Daisuke Hirabayashi

This renovation of a 1970's "Einliegerwohnung" opens up a previously nested room arrangement by introducing two columns and maximizing the window area. A former entrance is relocated to the sliding window. Storage and functional areas are positioned in a linear fashion along the side walls as built-in furniture, maintaining a continuous datum line while floating above the floor to create a more generous spatial experience.

The materiality mix uses a variety of plaster techniques to further visually structure the space, particularly with the use of the porous acoustic plaster of the ceiling. Like the ceiling, the custom-made terrazzo tiles with their unique skirting create a very defined floor area, which can also be seen in the bathroom, where the natural rubber floor bends upwards to emphasize the concept of a wet room rather than a traditional western bathroom. This is further emphasized by the flush circular drain that doesn't interrupt the space.
Finally, textile panels in the bedroom and a heavy curtain used as a wardrobe cover create a muted, tranquil environment.

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017 Happy House

Location: Seoul, South Korea
Year: 2021
Status: Competition 2nd place
Program: Welfare Center and Housing
Area: 20’200m²
Client: Seoul Housing & Communities Corporation
Images: Panoptikon
Team: KL-AR, heewoon architects

The area surrounding Gamasan-ro is characterized by a high concentration of high-rise buildings, which are situated in close proximity to the site's frontage. However, upon entering the side road of the site, one encounters a different ambience, that of a tranquil neighborhood with a range of local amenities and educational institutions. The design responds to the heterogeneous character of the surrounding context, integrating spaces with contrasting characteristics, such as workers' welfare center and apartment housing.

Massing
The project comprises a welfare center area on the lower floor and an apartment housing area on the upper floor. As a community space for citizens, the welfare center, where openness and approachability are important, was designed as a skeletal structure in a ring shape with a courtyard and an open plan layout.
The residential building, which is private and intimate, is planned as an 'L'-shaped mass that opens toward the southeast towards a low-density neighborhood. The orientation of the individual units' backsides towards the street side effectively blocks noise and other emissions.

Program
The front yard, courtyard garden, and café located on the first floor serve as places where anyone can take a break in Gamasan-ro, where public space is scarce. These spaces serve to lead citizens and visitors coming and going to the site. On the second and third floors of the Welfare Center, there are exhibition rooms, experience halls, and an auditorium that can be used by outsiders. Additionally, office spaces are located on the fourth and fifth floors. A courtyard is constructed to vertically link the various programs of the welfare center and to allow sufficient light and ventilation. The 170 households of Happy House are arranged on 14 floors along the thin and long L-shaped mass. All units are equipped with south- or east-facing balconies and naturally ventilated exterior corridors, allowing residents to fully enjoy the southeast-facing view.
Four small-scale pavilions will be constructed on the sixth floor, which serves as a transitional space between the welfare center and the apartment complex. This space, which is utilized as a library, communal kitchen, café, indoor playground, and lounge for residents of Happy House, evokes a friendly village landscape in harmony with the rooftop greenery and residents' vegetable gardens. The gathering of auxiliary facilities on one floor facilitates convenient use and allows for more diverse spatial utilization.

Circulation
The entrances and circulation of the welfare center and the apartment housing users are completely segregated. The welfare center is accessed via the escalator, stairs, and elevator located in the front yard on the first floor, while residents of the Happy House enter from the west side for privacy and utilize a separate core. The underground parking lot, accessed from Gamasan-ro-gil on the east side, also divides the areas of welfare center users and happy housing residents by floor.

Facade & View
1. Street Facade
Happy House: The northwest façade with the corridor was designed with a vertical wooden louver to block views and noise from the street and protect the privacy of the residents. The rhythmic façade created by the louvers arranged at regular intervals adds a dynamic to Gamasan-ro, and the light and wind coming through the louvers make the corridors a pleasant space. Furthermore, a vertical wooden frame was incorporated to visually unify the structure with the wooden louvers of the Happy House above.
2. Neighborhood Façade
Happy House: A façade that allows the residents' lives to unfold, opening towards the southeast side of the site and the rooftop garden. In addition to the varying depth of the elevation, dependent on the size of the unit and the presence or absence of an extended balcony, the external awning serves to conserve energy, thereby creating a colorful living landscape.

Structure & Materiality
The structure is composed of a steel/concrete grid measuring 8 x 8 m, with the span adjusted in some large rooms of the welfare center. The infill-walls are planned with CLT (Cross Laminated Timber), with which the construction process can be more economical and efficient by using prefabrication methods. The unique exterior of the building, which combines the cold and hard concrete frame with the soft wooden interior wall, adds vitality to Gamasan-ro.

Happy House Unit
Given that the majority of households in this complex have relatively small areas, we sought to create a more pleasant and spacious ambience by allowing as much natural light as possible into the units and extending the view to the outside and the roof garden.
The units are divided into six types, with each type differing according to the area and the presence or absence of a balcony.
Units S1 and S2, designed for single-person households, encompass an exclusive area of approximately 20 m². These units were planned as a single space, with a utility zone comprising a toilet, kitchen, and storage space situated on one side. Units M1 and M2, with an area of approximately 25 m², were naturally divided by placing the toilet in the center. The partitioned space can be utilized for other purposes as needed. Units L1 and L2, which are intended for newlyweds, have an area of approximately 38 m². The main rooms, such as the living room and balcony, which are used by the family for social interaction, are situated on the southeast side to afford a view of the surrounding area.

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021 Jinju National Museum

Location: Jinju, South Korea
Year: 2023
Status: Competition
Program: Historical Museum
Area: 15’260m²
Client: Jinju Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism
Team: KL-AR, Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture, Studio RKY

Located on top of an old railroad line (just north of the old train station, an area that was later transformed into the Railway Culture Park), the New Jinju National Museum seeks to extend a newly established cultural axis from south to north, reconnecting the previously disconnected east and west, and becoming a nexus for the formerly divided halves of the old city center.

Forest, Platform and Museum
A public parking lot was placed along the eastern boundary of Site 'A' to increase vehicular accessibility, and the remaining area was given over entirely to a newly naturalized zone - the 'urban forest', which contrasts with the 'programmed' and quite airy park space to the south of the site. The urban forest serves as a rest area that filters out the noise of the city center and as a cultural space that hosts activities related to the museum. The old arrival platform has been extended from the Railway Culture Park along the entire eastern façade of the Museum, which is programmed for public use.

Massing Concept
The museum's massing reflects the history of the site, following the railroad tracks and the old neighborhood plan. The longitudinal north-south orientation of the Welcome Center completes the cultural axis leading to the Railroad Cultural Park and the Science Museum. The parallel arrangement of the Children's Museum on the east side and the exhibition halls on the west side, as well as the offices centered on the Welcome Center, follow the linear order of the old railroad tracks. Visitor facilities are located on the ground floor, providing a convenient and clear path for both young and old visitors to the museum. The office area is located above the welcome center, and the storage area is located in the basement to clearly separate the service and viewing areas.

FourEntrances, Four Outdoor Spaces
To transform the site, which was cut off from the city center, into a public space open to the community, we planned four entrances and exits to the museum on the east, west, south, and north sides. Each entrance and outdoor space has its own character.
East side: Entrance to the Children's Museum, where a prominent historic stone pagoda marks the entrance for those arriving from the woods and the platform.
West side: With low and small houses clustered across the street, the area has a more intimate feel, resembling a walk through a friendly garden dotted with sculptures.
South side: Facing an old train depot, now an exhibition space, the south side is a public space for all citizens. A café with direct access from the square adds to its vibrancy.
North side: An entrance connected to the museum's parking lot provides convenient ingress and egress for visitors and staff arriving by car.

Welcome Center
This large, open space with sectional connections, such as a circular void that provides a glimpse into the underground art storage area, a mezzanine restaurant and staff dining room that overlooks the entire Welcome Center and the park outside, houses the entrances to the exhibition and education spaces. Support facilities, such as storage and restrooms, are concentrated on the west side, creating a large hall that can flexibly accommodate a variety of events and exhibitions. Abundant daylight and exposed wooden beams create an intimate and warm atmosphere.

Exhibition Area
The exhibition halls, accessed from the Welcome Center, first lead visitors through an atmospheric transition and rest area. Unlike the main hall, the exhibition space is designed as an open plan that can be adjusted with artificial lighting to protect artifacts and respond flexibly to exhibition planning.

Education Area
The children's education area receives abundant natural light through windows and skylights in the façade. The entire space is designed to accommodate large groups of visitors and diverse activities, allowing for variability and active connection to the outdoors.

Office Area
Located on the second floor to be clearly separated from the visitor area, the open plan emphasizes variability. Throughout the linear mass, there are light shafts and skylights to visually connect with the Welcome Center and bring in plenty of light.

Storage Areas
To ensure a stable storage environment and efficient movement of artifacts, the storage area is located in the basement. Artwork pathways are designed to avoid interference with visitor and administrative circulation.

Building Materials
The primary finishes of the façade, reminiscent of traditional walls, are stone masonry set on concrete foundations. The west façade, facing the exhibition hall, has different depths of brick to give it a lively expression, while the east façade, facing the Children's Museum, has long vertical windows at regular intervals to create a sense of rhythm and connection to the outside. The same stone bricks were used for the office façade above the Welcome Center, which emphasizes a sense of openness through glass windows, maintaining a sense of unity with the ground floor, but varying the brick spacing to ensure daylight. The cantilevered eaves and beams of the exhibit center add warmth with their wood character.

Administrative circulation
A separate walkway was constructed along the west side of the Welcome Center, designed to be completely disconnected from the Welcome Center when the exhibit changes.

Structure and Facilities
Running from east to west, the inverted beams are paired every 3 meters and repeated every 9 meters. The use of inverted beams keeps the height of the building low, creating an intimate museum that is not intimidating in its context. The structural system creates a unique identity on the façade and is the basis for the layout of the spaces, the equipment and the placement of the lighting and skylights. Prefabricated glulam timber (GLT) was used to achieve long spans in the exhibition halls and welcome center while being environmentally friendly.

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014 Uijeongbu

Location: Seoul, South Korea
Year: 2020
Status: Competition 4th place, 2nd round
Program: Shelter structure and Historical Museum
Area: 1’110m² (Shelter), 1’280m2(Museum)
Client: Seoul Metropolitan Government, Urban Space Improvement Bureau
Images: XAOS GmbH
Team: KL-AR, Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture, Kkh Architects

Sejong-daero, the road that intersects with the daily lives of numerous citizens of Seoul commuting to and from work, serves as the central axis of Seoul's administrative, cultural, and political life. It welcomes numerous foreigners and tourists. The remains of the historic Joseon era administrative center, Uijeongbu, are situated at its starting point. The gently sloping park surrounding the 'Uijeongbu' site, the soft sloping roof, and the heavy pillars give a familiar impression and lead people to the 'Uijeongbu site'. As one approaches, the remains, which are on a lower level than the pedestrian path, gradually reveal themselves, and the stories of long-forgotten histories are unravelled one by one.

Concept
The site of Uijeongbu, situated in close proximity to Gyeongbokgung Palace and as the highest administrative institution of the Joseon Dynasty, it has undergone repeated destruction, expansion, and restoration since the Japanese colonial period. In order to reexamine the significance and meaning of Uijeongbu, which has been largely forgotten by the majority of people over the course of history, this project presents three key concepts for understanding the site: layering, dialogue, and acupuncture.

Layering: The site contains traces of multiple eras, from the Joseon Dynasty to the modern era, that are visibly intertwined. This mix of relics with very different orientations, materials, and construction methods makes it difficult to clearly understand the historical and architectural trajectory of 'Uijeongbu'. Therefore, we propose three general layers to illuminate the entire history rather than a specific point in time.
The 'Excavation Layer' contains the excavations from the Joseon Dynasty, namely the remains of the Naehaengrang, Jeongbondang, Hyeopseondang, and Seokjakdang. The exhibition hall building, which is situated above the remains of the Naehaengrang, serves as its shelter, while the protective roof and the outdoor deck cover the remains of the Jeongbondang and the Hyeopseondang. The remains of Seokcheokdang, situated outside the construction area, will be restored and preserved. The 1-meter-higher 'Platform Layer' is constructed along the remains of buildings from the Japanese occupation era to illustrate their transformation over time, with some of the remains partly restored. The 'Park Layer' serves as a public space accessible to the general public, regardless of whether or not they are visiting the exhibition center. It is intended to be a space for all citizens to enjoy.

Dialogue: The Uijeongbu site, situated at the confluence of diverse urban cultural assets, including skyscrapers, cultural facilities, and plazas, serves as a nexus for a multitude of users, including those traversing the area en route to work in Seoul, foreign visitors, and tourists. The layout of the site reflects the context and connects with its surroundings. A straight exhibition hall is placed along the remains of the edifice on the south side of the site to emphasize the orientation of its original state. A protective roof structure is placed in the center to harmoniously integrate into the overall site and complements views from Gwanghwamun Square to Sejong-daero and Gyeongbokgung Palace. The small forecourt created by the L-shaped arrangement of the two structures faces Gyeongbokgung Palace and serves as a welcoming space for tourists. The park on the east side, with its combination of ruins and greenery, provides a place for citizens to rest.

Acupuncture: The project's focus is on the principles of cultural heritage preservation, namely 'keeping the original' and 'reversibility'. Construction methods are employed that minimize the impact on the ground and allow for simple installation and demolition. The "ground screw method," applied to the foundations of the exhibition hall and the protective roof cover, is an example of an easily installed, removable, and restorable system. This method is suitable for preventing damage to the remains and maintaining the site.
In the case of the exhibition hall, each foundation is composed of three screw piles, which are placed in positions that avoid the remains. A steel frame is then placed on top of the screw piles. The exterior and interior walls, floors, and roof are constructed using prefabrication methods, which are commonly employed in modular wood construction. This method increases construction efficiency and minimizes site disturbance

Circulation
The concept of circulation is linked to the notion of layering. The public circulation route passes through the park layer, which is accessible at all times, while the visitor circulation route enters through the exhibition hall and reaches the excavation layer, which is accessible during operating hours. The service path is connected to the parking lot and elevator located at the rear of the site, facilitating the management of the exhibition hall.

Exhibition Strategy
The exhibition strategy involves the creation of exhibition spaces and observation points by the three overlapping layers and the various ways in which the architecture relates to each other. These elements are developed throughout the site.

Gallery: The 'Schaukasten', which introduces the exhibition, faces Sejong-daero road, stimulating visitors' curiosity. The museum shop, café, and exhibition rooms are located in the front, facing the excavation, while the service area is located in the back. The separation of the viewing and service areas made it possible to open the front, and visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the excavation site throughout their visit. The glass floor along the corridor leading to the exhibition hall reveals the foundations of the old building, extending the sense of vertical space created by the high floor level. An additional unique feature is an hidden space with a top-down view of an ancient well. The general exhibition space on the second floor can accommodate a variety of exhibition concepts by utilizing the gently changing ceiling level and indirect lighting.

Excavation Level: Excavation Level: The indoor exhibition leads to an outdoor deck that provides a comprehensive view of the remains of Jeongbondang and Hyeonsundang. A ramp descends to a courtyard at the excavation level.
The protective roof covering the remains of the Jeongbondang and Hyeopseondang hall is finished with polished stainless steel sheets on the underside, which reflect the remains. Visitors entering the courtyard under the protective roof perceive the space as extending without boundaries, enabling new ways to perceive the remains and excavation site. The shape of the protective roof is a result of the preservation area, the defined buildable area, and the position of the pillars.The curve of the roof, which is devoid of sharp corners, guides the viewer's gaze around the entire site. Furthermore, it tapers towards the edges, making them appear less substantial, and the top is covered with greenery, visually connecting with the park layer.
In contrast to the artifacts from the Joseon Dynasty that are exposed, the artifacts from the Japanese and modern periods are reconstructed on the platform layer. This allows visitors to comprehend the changes over time in a three-dimensional space. The platforms are encircled by earthworks, evoking the sensation of entering an excavation site.

Park Level: The exhibition concludes in the park, where a reconstructed historic pavilion and pond, a resting area using reconstructed remains, and a walking path are located on the east side against a backdrop of tall trees. On the west side, there is an observation deck that marks the location of the original entrances to Uijeongbu, the outer and inner Sammun gates.

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007 Embassy of Switzerland

Location: Addis Abeba, Ethiopia
Year: 2018
Status: Competition Finalist
Program: Embassy
Area: 1’960m²
Client: Federal Office for Buildings and Logistics
Team: KL-AR, Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture

The starting point for the design of a new Swiss Embassy in Addis Ababa is a careful evaluation of the existing conditions and their inherent qualities.
The current lush vegetation and its valued quality is a central theme for the design.
The reorganization of the processes and the careful positioning of the building within the existing vegetation (minimal intervention, new plantings) offers the three main user groups (staff, clients, private) a direct experience of this with dedicated garden areas that are characterized by their own independent character.
Based on the underlying concept of security, the flow of people and visual relationships are cleverly directed and framed to create an openness and closeness, but also intimacy where necessary.

The two-part nature of the building volume allows the site to be structured by realizing the classic embassy dichotomy of the residence and the chancellery as clearly separated building volumes whose expression clearly reflects their functions: The seriality of the office environment, the openness of the representative spaces, and the privacy of the Ambassador's Residence.
Flexibility of space is another guiding theme for both buildings, guaranteed throughout the project by numerous possible combinations, connections, the inclusion of outdoor areas and supporting structures that allow the layout to be adapted.

In its design, the new embassy seeks an expression that relates to the local conditions, while at the same time developing an independent character that is reflected in the materiality and construction. The masonry, with its characteristic clay coloration, the solidity and the delicacy of the steel structure allow a dialog between pragmatism and precision.

The construction of the building is based on common local techniques, but interprets them according to current technological standards.
The cost-effectiveness of the project is ensured by the simple, yet efficient, thermally insulated masonry construction method, which takes into account local construction expertise, simplifies construction processes and details in a comprehensible manner, and thus guarantees maximum flexibility.

Mechanical and, where possible, manual natural ventilation options are favored by the selected layouts. Local climatic conditions lead to the use of thick walls and overhangs. In addition, the active use of rainwater and gray water and the use of photovoltaics are proposed and are supported by the selected roof forms, realizing ecological standards in an appropriate way. The water infiltration concept avoids sealed surfaces such as the dry, porous arrival garden.

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001 Helfensteinweg / 2

Location: Dornstadt, Germany
Year: 2019
Status: Completed
Program: Sauna renovation
Area: 38m²
Client: Private
Images: Daisuke Hirabayashi

The expansion of an old sauna area to include a whirlpool and other exercise facilities provided an opportunity to open up the old light shafts of its subterranean location with now generous sliding windows looking out into a view reminiscent of a terrarium. This effect is enhanced by the generous use of rear-heated mirrors in the whirlpool and shower areas to maximize the sense of space.

The wet areas are clad in volcanic ash-glazed tiles that create warm tones, complemented by an unusually gridded oak parquet, while the sauna sets the mood with brownish smoked glass held in place by glass fins.
Generous storage space is provided with floor-to-ceiling pivoting doors to ensure easy movement of heavier exercise equipment.

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004 Tavannes

Location: Tavannes, Switzerland
Year: 2018
Status: Competition Finalist
Program: Day School and Kindergarten
Area: 2’340m²
Client: Municipalité de Tavannes
Images: Studio AIVA
Team: KL-AR, Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture

Located in the small watchmaking town of Tavannes, the program of a day school extension for the nearby historic school building and the replacement of a crumbling kindergarten presented the challenge of meaningfully connecting both entities and providing a shared infrastructure.

The slope
The gentle slope across the site, characteristic of the community of Tavannes, is preserved in the central space, connecting the primary school above and the town below (while respecting the accessibility requirements of a barrier-free building).The central space combines the entrances of the kindergarten, the all-day school, the multi-purpose room and the psychomotricity. It also functions as a playground and meeting place for children, parents and teachers. The outdoor spaces are terraced, adjacent to the classrooms and apartments, creating distinct yet interconnected zones. Retractable awnings provide covered outdoor spaces when needed, as well as shade for the glass facades of the classrooms.

Materiality
The building is designed to be assembled primarily from prefabricated elements, with honest material choices allowing for apparent finishes and durable aging. Structural framing is precast concrete, and roof slabs and skylights are cross-laminated timber (CLT or equivalent), left exposed in the ceilings and roof overhangs. Window frames and doors are wood, and rubber flooring is used (smooth in interior spaces and rough in central sloped spaces). Partitions and fixed furniture are made of wood to match the ceilings.The use of curtains mitigates the high transparency of the building as well as separating rooms when needed.The load-bearing frames are filled with partitions or fixed furniture such as benches, shelves or cabinets as needed for the use of the space.

Roofs
The roofs descend with the terrain. Skylights provide daylight at the intersections of the spaces below, and the entire roof is designed as an extensive green roof.

The Transparent Structure
The main structure is composed of load-bearing frames, all oriented perpendicular to the slope of the site.The unique orientation of the structure allows for a high degree of transparency between the interior and exterior, allowing the children to be aware of their surroundings both inside and outside the school. This configuration in a single-story building maintains the east/west visual axis between the elementary school and the old town, both above and through the building. The frames are cantilevered on each side, defining wide areas for occupiable spaces and narrow areas for shared circulation. Lateral stability is provided by the walls of enclosed spaces such as restrooms, storage, and mechanical rooms.

Flexibility and Optimization
The non-load-bearing walls allow flexibility in both location and materiality. The central space could also be designed as a covered exterior space with separate exterior access to the lobbies.

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018 Moonsan Library

Location: Paju, South Korea
Year: 2021
Status: Competition
Program: Library
Area: 5’300m²
Client: Paju City Municipality, Public Building Construction
Images: Studio AIVA
Team: KL-AR, heewoon architects

Although the method of preserving and delivering information has evolved over time, the fundamental purpose of the library as a space for the sharing of knowledge and experiences remains unchanged. While adhering to the traditional values of a library that fosters a reading culture, it provides a diverse range of activities and spaces for the local community to interact with, spend their leisure time, or simply rest, all in harmony with the external environment.

Site & Access
A thin, elongated library volume crosses the site diagonally. Both ends of the volume open toward the lush greenery and park located on the east and west sides of the site, thus integrating the natural scenery into the library. It is important to note that the land is divided into two areas with different characteristics. The front of the building, which features a plaza and entry yard, is an open area where various local events such as publishing events, flea markets, and seasonal markets are held, thereby contributing to the vibrancy of the area. In contrast, the rear of the building is surrounded by trees, and it contains a multi-purpose stadium and exercise equipment, thus providing an area where one can take a walk, relax, exercise, and commune with nature. A road traversing the central portion of the building and a walking path encircling it connect the two areas. The above-ground parking lot is situated beneath the library piloti, thus enabling the entire site, with the exception of the single mass of the library, to be utilized as an outdoor space and green space for citizens. The traffic flow of vehicles entering from the 20-meter Bangchon-ro, which faces west, is not only physically separated from the pedestrian flow, but also visually blocked to the extent that it does not obstruct the scenery. Furthermore, existing contexts such as trails, terrain, and axes, including green areas, were preserved as much as possible.

Program
In order to respond more flexibly to the changing role of the library and to fully utilize the locational potential of a park, the interior and exterior spaces were constructed based on two keywords: 1. 'variability' and 2. 'connection to the site'.

The concentration of core areas, such as elevators, toilets, and stairs, in the center of the building allows major programmatic elements located on the four sides of the building to relate closely to the site. In particular, community programs, such as co-working spaces, cafes, multi-purpose rooms, rest areas, and exhibition rooms, located on the first and basement floors can be directly connected to the outside, including the possibility of expansion towards the plaza or a sunken outdoor auditorium.
The second floor, which houses the reading room, cultural lecture room, club room, small group reading discussion room, and children's culture class, was designed as an open space where various reading behaviors and cultural activities can occur freely. On the south side, there is a long table that is well-suited for light reading, such as daily newspapers and magazines, while overlooking the forest. On the north side, there is a desk that is ideal for study. On the east and west sides, there is a more comfortable lounge-type reading space for children and a general reading space. The reading space with the beautiful natural scenery visible from the large window creates a spacious and bright atmosphere with ample light and high ceilings. The children's reading space and the children's reference room were designed as one integrated area to facilitate the enjoyment of books as if they were part of play and rest. In contrast, the comprehensive shelf space for adults and adolescents was situated on the third floor in the form of a 'box-in-a-box'. This space, which is separate from the reading space and community facilities, allows users to fully immerse themselves in books.
The work management areas, including the office, library, and data organizing room, were placed on the first floor above the ground and on the first basement level. These areas were strategically located in close proximity to the core and parking lot in order to enhance efficiency. The majority of the interior walls are partitioned with cross-laminated timber (CLT), and the furniture, including bookshelves and desks, as well as the auditorium in the multi-purpose room, is equipped with a modular system that is easily movable and transformable, thus increasing variability.

Facade
In order to regulate the influx of light and achieve energy savings, two long rows of angled shading panels are superimposed on top of each other. The upper eaves spanning the shelf area on the third floor are designed to deflect direct sunlight and are therefore long and steep. In contrast, the lower eaves covering the first floor allow for abundant light and are relatively short in length and have a near horizontal slope. The horizontal line delineated by the overlapping eaves leads to the green area situated on the east and west sides of the site. The eaves are composed of wooden panels measuring 2 meters in width, which are connected side by side. The entrance portion has been cut off to highlight the entrance of the building. The vertical wooden louvers surrounding the first-floor parking lot are arranged in a repetitive pattern at regular intervals, creating a rhythmic elevation.

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019 Shingil Welfare Center

Location: Seoul, South Korea
Year: 2022
Status: Competition
Program: Welfare Center, Daycare and Kindergarten
Area: 8’550m²
Client: Yeongdeungpo-gu, Public Building Department
Images: Studio AIVA
Team: KL-AR, heewoon architects

Social welfare facilities and kindergartens are places of meeting and communication for adults and children, and the two different programs are interwoven as a space for learning and play. By proposing a more flexible and open space, residents and children can engage in a variety of activities, emphasized by a shared access route and public entrance programming. The building mass itself is terraced towards the interior of the site to allow for a central aspect of the proposal - terraced gardens as extensions to the classrooms and public areas.

Circulation
Given the operational guidelines for each facility and the privacy needs of the users, three voids were introduced at the ground/basement level to connect the programs.

Community courtyard: Open to the public, everyone can enjoy the community courtyard facing the street. It is a place to rest, enjoy community events or exhibitions, and is intuitively positioned to welcome residents and visitors to the site. A café, multi-purpose auditorium, and cultural center can be accessed directly from here.

Central courtyard: It separates the two facilities and punctures the building mass vertically, acting as a central outdoor staircase. The kindergarten and a day care center can be accessed directly from the first floor, while the social welfare complex on the 2nd to 4th floors can use the central staircase and elevators of the courtyard.

Playground: An intimate space for children only, attached to the daycare center and kindergarten.
The shared playground is located within the site to control access and visibility and to block noise from the street.

General vehicle access is provided from the west side of the site and is clearly separated from pedestrian traffic. The first basement level, prior to access to the general parking lot, provides handicapped parking and drop-off areas for parents and service vehicles.

Structural System
A flexible structural base grid of 8 x 8m can be tailored to future needs and is designed to be subdivided or expanded as required, particularly for classroom areas where flexibility is required.

Facade + Material
The Singil-dong area with its large-scale redevelopment, where high-density residential complexes with a homogeneous appearance dominate, is still punctuated by remnants of the past, such as an adjacent church complex with its extensive brickwork extending along the roadside as a garden wall. Both the brick and the lush greenery influenced the choice of materials in order to integrate the building into the larger, existing neighborhood, rather than adding another visual signifier that pushes itself into the foreground.
While the concrete structure of the building remains visible, a play between solid and exposed masonry serves as infill where privacy and function require it. Warm, wood floor-to-ceiling windows open mainly to the terraced gardens adjacent to the classrooms and common areas.

Landscape Concept
Given Seoul's dense urban environment, the idea for the kindergarten and daycare center is to bring nature into the classrooms, where the terraced gardens act as an extension of the classrooms, allowing the teacher to incorporate lessons in gardening, etc. into the curriculum, and allowing each class to have an outdoor play area. It is an added visual benefit to the surrounding high-rise buildings to have the building footprint act as a park when viewed from above, breaking up the often over-sealed surfaces in developments that maximize density.

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011 Forensikstation

Location: Wil, Switzerland
Year: 2019
Status: Competition
Program: Forensic Ward
Area: 2’370m²
Client: Hochbauamt Kanton St.Gallen
Team: KL-AR, Axel Vansteenkiste Architecture

Located on the edge of the St. Gallen North Psychiatric Clinic site, the new Wil Forensic Ward building appears as a defined, self-confident volume and, with its striking roof pitch, enables a transition from the flatness of the adjacent residential buildings, big- box retailer and fields to the height of the adjacent campus buildings. This creates a single-story approach along the access road and allows for a softer, urban integration of the large form.

The choice of a memorable large-scale form and the integration of the required courtyards allows for a controllable structure that cleverly avoids and integrates conventionally expected elements such as high fences and security gates.

The expectation of a closed institution as a guarantor of security is visually offered, but also made accessible by the "tilting" of the roof, the fifth façade. The view from the neighborhood is drawn to a roofscape that, while preserving the privacy of the patients, expresses the inner world of the institution with its courtyards and focal points, and through this "honesty" dispels the aloofness and neighborhood concerns of a closed institution.

The actual façade opens to the outside only when appropriate, and follows a layered logic that controls views and lighting depending on the use behind it.

Open space concept
The security zone, which is kept close to the building, allows the required fencing to blend into the large building form and maximizes the surrounding open spaces, which have a loose, orchard-like character that allows a gentle transition to the building. This also allows for a controlled visual connection between the courtyards and the surrounding nature - a welcome visual change for the patients.

Spatial and operational concept
User access to the building is realized on the single-storey street façade along Kreuzackerstrasse. The long façade is interrupted by a green courtyard, which provides shelter from the weather and bicycle parking.

The spatial and functional organization follows the strict and clear requirements of a forensic ward with the transfer area as the central connecting element. The integrated courtyards, adjacent to the transfer area, interrupt the single-storey public/staff area and the restricted therapy areas. In addition, the large courtyard serves as a focal point for access routes and common areas of the 'Milieutherapie'.

The two-story design of the therapy area emphasizes the privacy of the patients, with their orientation allowing views across the communal areas and into the courtyard, as well as to the more distant surroundings. The patient rooms themselves are, protected from views, located to the south next to the neuropsychiatric ward.

The ward room, as the central hub of the transfer area, courtyard and ‘Milieutherapie’
maximizes its control and overview function for the staff and also appears architecturally as a clearly identifiable volume in the roof skin.

Materiality and construction
Taking into account the brief's expectations in terms of durability and cost, a prefabricated timber construction method is proposed, which guarantees a fast commissioning due to its high degree of prefabrication and which lends itself to the simple layout presented here.

This wood materiality is also strategically used in the interior, for example in the window frames and ceilings, to define a warmer character for the interior areas, to counteract the institutional character of the ward and to create an environment conducive to therapy for staff and patients.

The curtain-type aluminum façade, whose soft reflectivity guarantees a harmonious integration into the environment, appears as an interplay of two levels depending on the requirements (views, light, privacy) in solid, perforated and louvered versions.

The roof landscape, interrupted by the courtyards, is also designed with interlocking aluminum profiles to create a holistic appearance of the building form.

Sustainability, Energy, Ecology
The thematic wood construction has an ideal life cycle of 20 years, while the untreated aluminum façade and roof system is highly recyclable and easy to maintain. The photovoltaic cells on the roof surface of the south façade, which is optimally inclined at 30°, will also pay for themselves during the operating period and achieve maximum profitability.

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