Interview about Fish Farm House House, winner of the A' Architecture, Building and Structure Design Award 2019
For the client, the sea means home, ground for living and life. So above all, architect the greatest focus was set on their relationship with the sea. Fish Farm House which represent a house greeting sea was made into structure open to the sea in order to be a shelter to keep in tune with the sea. As a one-storied house, reed field in the rear of house and mountain beyond were used as a background. In the case of exposed concrete, it is far unused material in this fishing village. However, 2m2 architects used combination of familiar materials e.g. stone and wood in order to look familiar.
View detailed images, specifications, and award details on A' Design Award & Competition website.
View Design DetailsIn contrast to urban areas, houses in Korean fishing villages are often built with locally sourced, inexpensive materials, resulting in simpler constructions. To harmonize with the village landscape, I chose exposed concrete, whose raw texture can be felt directly, along with selective use of stone and wood. This approach was intended to create a balance, contrasting with the uniform, industrial feel of mass-produced metal materials.
The connection between the sea and shelter is indeed a fundamental aspect of Fish Farm House’s design philosophy. This relationship shaped the spatial arrangements by aligning the layout to maximize ocean views and create a sense of flow between interior and exterior spaces, reflecting the fluidity of the nearby waters. Material choices were also deeply influenced by this connection; exposed concrete and locally sourced stone mirror the textures of the coastal landscape, while wooden elements evoke the traditional materials used in local fishing villages. The result is a structure that feels both rooted in its environment and resilient against the coastal climate, creating a harmonious dialogue between the shelter and the sea.
The transition spaces in Fish Farm House, especially the entrance between the living room and kitchen, were inspired by the desire to create moments of pause and connection within the home. These buffer zones serve as gentle thresholds that both separate and unify different areas, encouraging a natural flow between spaces while allowing each to maintain its distinct atmosphere. By designing these transitional areas with intentional width, lighting, and texture, they not only facilitate movement but also provide a sense of rhythm to daily activities. This approach enhances the living experience by making transitions feel purposeful and creating subtle, interactive moments as one moves throughout the home.
Incorporating the reed field and Mount Dongmang as integral elements in the design of Fish Farm House was driven by a desire to create harmony between the built environment and its natural surroundings. The expansive reed field influenced the orientation and openness of the house, allowing views to flow seamlessly outward, while the silhouette of Mount Dongmang inspired the roofline and certain structural forms, reflecting the contours of the landscape. By aligning the architecture with these natural backdrops, the design not only enhances the beauty of the site but also establishes a sense of place that feels deeply connected to the local environment. These elements guided decisions on layout, materials, and spatial transitions, creating a home that is both rooted in and respectful of its surroundings.
Before the building's design began, large-scale stone civil engineering work by a previous civil company had already divided the land into large, layered sections, disrupting the natural slope of the site. In response, the building was designed as a single-story structure aligned with the natural slope descending from the mountain behind. This approach allowed the flow to extend seamlessly through the courtyard and toward the sea, creating a harmonious progression.
I believe that exposed concrete is a building material that suits fishing villages or rural areas much more than urban settings. With exposed concrete as the base, limestone and wood play a role in interrupting and naturally extending the flow of this material, creating a seamless transition.
The pocket door serves to create a flexible space by expanding or separating indoor areas of different character as needed. Each space can adapt to the residents’ needs or even respond to the weather from the sea, allowing for an extension of space to the outdoors or a connected interior environment. This feature introduces an architecturally engaging element that enhances adaptability within the home.
There are many sites with views overlooking the sea, but a site that offers both a sea view and a mountain backdrop is uniquely rare. Although the location faces a rough sea environment, especially during typhoon season, it was important to design a home that doesn't resist these natural conditions but instead blends seamlessly, as if it has existed harmoniously within this landscape for ages.
I am an architect who not only designs buildings but also takes on the construction work myself. In this project, acting as both designer and builder allowed me to achieve a higher level of completion. Despite the long distance of over 400 km from Seoul to Geoje, where Fish Farm House is located, we were able to achieve excellent results because design and construction were carried out together.
Korean fishing villages still tend to have many homes in challenging conditions. While Fish Farm House may not become the standard, I hope it can serve as a catalyst for gradually improving the coastal environment of these local fishing communities.
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