Upperhouse Cheongdam, 64-1 Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

The 'Cheongdam Upper House,' built by Shinwon Comprehensive Development next to Cheongdam Park, has a selling price of 5.5 to 6 billion KRW and a rental price of 4.1 to 4.5 billion KRW. While many top star celebrities live in 'Hyosung Villa Cheongdam 101,' which began occupancy in March last year, many families of conglomerate heads reside in the Cheongdam Upper House.

The 'Cheongdam Upper House,' completed by Shinwon Comprehensive Development in December 2019 at 64-1 Cheongdam-dong (site area 2,156.2㎡, 652.25 pyeong) with three basement floors and seven above-ground floors (total floor area 9,484.63㎡, 2,869.1 pyeong), consists of 18 units with three households per floor. The 6th and 7th floors feature duplex penthouses with three units. The basement level one houses residential fitness facilities and management offices, with some areas forming duplexes with the ground floor units. The underground parking lot on levels two and three can accommodate a total of 76 vehicles, allowing more than four cars per household. It's a transit-oriented development located just a four-minute walk (290m) from Cheongdam Station and adjacent to Cheongdam Park, providing a green living environment.

If constructing a building is like dressing a plot of land, remodeling or interior design can be seen as dressing a building. In imagination, one dresses the building that will become the 'Upper House' in various outfits. The nuances, meanings, and values change depending on what outfit it wears. Fashion, as a means of dressing, is perceived beyond its functional role as a means of self-expression. Being the most external element, fashion is designed with others in mind. Although personal, it is exposed to the public, making fashion and architecture quite similar. This contemplation was inspired by the 1991 project 'Wrapped Reichstag' by land artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude.

The Reichstag in Berlin, the first parliament building of the German Empire, was a symbol of the Nazi regime and the Cold War, marked by the Berlin Wall. In 1971, a decade after the Berlin Wall's installation, land artists Christo and Jeanne-Claude proposed wrapping the parliament building with fabric to the governments of the UK, the US, France, the Soviet Union, and Germany. Given that the Allies (UK, US, France) were stationed in West Germany and the Soviets in East Germany after World War II, the proposal was unlikely to be accepted. Eighteen years later, after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, Christo and Jeanne-Claude seized the opportunity and proposed the wrapping project again. The proposal was approved through a parliamentary vote in 1994, and the project commenced the following year. In 1995, the artists covered the Reichstag with silver fabric and secured it with blue ropes.

During the two weeks the artwork was on display, it attracted five million tourists. The building, once a symbol of the Nazis and the Cold War, gained renewed attention through this transformation and became a symbol of Germany's democracy post-reunification. Although this project might seem like a one-time event, it exemplifies how serious contemplation and implementation of the exterior (skin) can convey significant meanings to people.

Similar to the 'Wrapped Reichstag' project, everyday events can change the personal significance of a place without altering the location itself. Different exhibitions at the same gallery, films screened at the cinema, and concerts at a music hall all provide varying experiences based on their content. The primary function of remodeling or interior design is to offer visual novelty through changes in the exterior, but these changes can also lead to altered or renewed experiences of the space.

Rotating the literal meaning of 'upper,' which denotes 'the top part of,' by 90 degrees in a diagram results in 'left' or 'right.' Extending one end to the opposite side forms an enclosing 'skin.' The concept of skin should not be limited to visual aspects. When deciding on the project name 'Upper House,' this broader concept of skin was considered. The name 'UPPER' reflects STRX's stance against structurally fixed modern residential spaces, aiming to provide an experience that allows full enjoyment of private spaces.

Returning from the brand name to the building, we dressed the Upper House in a rock outfit. It appears as a massive rock at the foot of a hill, while maintaining the building's form with a rough texture on the surface. This approach aimed to distinguish it with a restrained presence, different from other communal housing, while not disrupting the surrounding landscape. The sturdy impression of the building also served to reassure early occupants who faced various challenges.

3. ART PROJECT

Considering the 'different personal experiences in the same space' mentioned earlier, we pondered how to add value to the Upper House. We hoped it would transcend mere residential space and stimulate intellectual and cultural aspects. Therefore, we invited contemporary artists to install works throughout the building, calling this the art project. The art project continues beyond the first phase of the Upper House, with various artworks in subsequent buildings.

The exterior of the first phase of the Upper House comprises Goheung stone cubes (200mm in width, length, and height) split with water pressure, preserving the natural patterns. Unlike factory-produced uniform patterns, this gives the building a more natural appearance. The facade visible from the road and the left side are designed with this stone, creating a solid exterior. The sloped roof is also designed with the same material, giving the building the appearance of a solid mass. In contrast, the right facade and rear, enclosing the inner courtyard, are finished with white paint to hint at the building's softer interior. This aimed to brighten the atmosphere of the private courtyard space for residents.

HISTORY

The first Upper House project began somewhat accidentally due to a friend's suggestion and persuasion. However, once we decided to proceed, we developed a strategy focused on customization, which fortunately proved successful. Starting with the first phase in Bangbae-dong, there are now three buildings in Bangbae-dong and one in Cheongdam-dong, with a new one currently under construction in Namsan.

UPCOMING

Starting in Bangbae-dong, Upper House continues to grow. We are currently preparing new concept Upper House projects in Hongcheon and Jeju, combined with culture. Upper House aims to evolve from a 'Seoul-based residential brand' to a 'high-end lifestyle brand encompassing residence and culture.'

The PALACE 73 : 664-12, Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul

The Palace 73 will be available in a total of 73 units, comprising two buildings with 4 basement levels and 35 above-ground floors. The development includes 58 apartments and 15 officetels. This is the first residential facility in South Korea designed by the renowned architect Richard Meier. To fully realize the global architect's design philosophy, Samsung C&T, ranked No. 1 in construction capability evaluations, was chosen as the contractor. Additionally, a partnership with global company Samsung Electronics will integrate cutting-edge technology into the project, ensuring it becomes a masterpiece.

The Palace 73 is a premier residential facility in South Korea where Richard Meier, the Pritzker Prize-winning architect, has been directly involved in the design. For two years, he collaborated with his renowned architectural firm, Meier Partners. The project has been highly praised in architectural circles both domestically and internationally as a 'masterpiece' that is hard to find elsewhere.

Environmentally, the development benefits from its proximity to the adjacent Seorae Park, as well as the Seoripul Park and Montmartre Park, offering rare green spaces in Seoul. It features luxury amenities and retail areas totaling approximately 1,400 pyeong. The facilities include a fitness center, spa, golf & bar, a private theater, a poolside club, a dining space with a tea omakase, a top-tier spa, a luxury car lounge, a yacht & equestrian club lounge, and Michelin-starred F&B options for residents to enjoy from breakfast to dinner, all designed to maximize residential satisfaction.

Recently, The Palace 73 unveiled a gallery featuring works by prominent Korean artists. The gallery has been praised for providing an artistic and emotional space where residents can experience the lifestyle directly and indirectly.

The developer, The Land, aimed to present the gallery as an artistic experience. They collaborated with top experts in various fields, including living, furniture, and media art. According to The Land, during the gallery's conceptualization, experts decided to participate, taking into account that this is the only residential project in South Korea designed by the world-renowned architect Richard Meier.

According to sales representatives, "The Palace 73's promotional gallery has already been visited by top executives from leading domestic companies, celebrities, and sports stars. There has been consistent interest from overseas visitors, including from Japan and the United States, with some even signing contracts."

The attention is attributed to the rarity and differentiated quality of this residential project, along with its specialized luxury lifestyle offerings. Typically, unique designs and plans may face challenges in approval and end up as conventional structures. However, The Palace 73 has received approval for design changes, reflecting Richard Meier's architectural philosophy and design.

Compared to other planned developments, the details and floor plans of this project, which maximize the residents' lifestyle, justify the substantial costs associated with it.

The true value of The Palace 73 becomes more apparent upon close inspection. It features rare green spaces such as the adjacent Seorae Park and the 54㎡ Seoraepul Park and Montmartre Park, reminiscent of Manhattan’s Central Park. Particularly, Seorae Park, which has fewer visitors, has been well-received by those seeking privacy and a pleasant living environment.

In this development, only two penthouses are available on the first floor, each with an impressive ceiling height of nearly 6.3 meters and a spiral staircase design, making them the standout units.

Furthermore, residents have unrestricted access to luxury amenities and retail spaces totaling 4,628㎡ (about 1,400 pyeong). This includes a fitness center, spa, golf & bar, wine library, private theater, poolside club, and dining spaces with a tea omakase, as well as high-end retail such as a top-tier spa, luxury car lounge, yacht & equestrian club lounge, and Michelin-starred F&B options.

Most notably, residents of The Palace 73 will enjoy special benefits, becoming both horse owners and yacht owners. The development collaborates with a top domestic equestrian club, recognized as one of the 'World's 100 Top Equestrian Venues' by a German magazine, for premium equestrian services. Additionally, the premium yacht service is highly regarded among residents.