In 2016, the architects from OBBA created a fantastic natural stone house on behalf of an older couple. The project was called “The layers” and the architects' goal was to create a building in which every activity leaves a deep, long-lasting impression. From parking the car to opening the door to entering the house. It should simply be a house that offers a high level of comfort and also doesn't look boring.
Natural stone house in a fantastic location
The property is located at the foot of Mount Toema in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, an hour's drive northwest of Seoul. A large mountain range surrounds the house from the south and there is a large water reservoir to the north. This project isa second homefor the elderly couple who wanted to return to South Korea after living abroad for a long time. For this reason, privacy was given priority so that the absence of the residents of the house is not immediately noticeable. The architecture was also adapted to their needs by avoiding stairs and offset hallways.
The single-story house is organized as four structures and follows the slight natural slope of the site. Thepour Natural stone facadeharmonizes perfectly with the rural surroundings and looks like the color of the earth. In the south there is a kitchen garden for fruit and vegetables, while in the north the green area is designed as close to nature as possible. This allows the residents' gaze to be focused on the reservoir.
The house consists of four rooms connected by a long hallway. The inner walls differ in thickness and length, which results in a particularly dynamic roof shape. The wall design also brings variety to every room. The stone wall at the entrance remains natural, while the wall in the dining area is partially covered with square gray stone-look tiles. The wooden floors create a continuity between the different rooms.
View into the natural stone house
Floor plans of the house
More information about the project can be found on the official websiteOBBA Architects
