- Project: Basalt Brick House
- Architect: JOHO Architecture
- Location: South Korea, 908-10, Unjung-dong, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do
- Year: 2015
- Area: 213 m2
- Photography: Kyungsub Shin
Tucked into a quiet residential district in Pangyo, near Seoul, this remarkable residence by JOHO Architecture redefines what a contemporary urban home can be. With a design that’s both structurally expressive and materially rich, the Basalt Brick House is immediately captivating—thanks to its distinctive four-part roof, dark volcanic stone façade, and artfully minimalist form.
A Tactile Expression of Modern Korean Architecture
The house presents a powerful architectural silhouette. Clad in local basalt bricks and ashed color masonry, the exterior feels timeless yet forward-looking, combining durability with a sculptural warmth. The contrast between the dark bricks and reflective stainless-steel panels adds a modern edge, while ensuring the structure responds beautifully to light throughout the day.
This carefully selected palette doesn’t just serve aesthetics—the basalt provides excellent thermal mass, helping regulate interior temperatures in Korea’s variable climate.
“Our intention was to use tactile, regional materials while exploring new forms of spatial division and roof structure,” — JOHO Architecture
Roof Geometry That Shapes Space
The standout feature of this home is its four-part divided roof, designed to both maximize spatial efficiency and bring natural light into the upper volumes. These four segments introduce visual interest while shaping distinct zones inside the house—each receiving varying levels of sunlight and openness depending on orientation.
This roof concept is more than an architectural flourish—it embodies a sensitive response to site, light, and spatial comfort.
Two Levels of Warm, Inviting Living
With 213.69 m² spread across two floors, the house balances public and private zones with ease. The first floor is dedicated to communal living, with open-plan layouts that encourage family interaction. Large window openings and material continuity between inside and out help blur the boundary between architecture and landscape.
The upper floor contains private bedrooms and quiet zones, with volumes subtly shaped by the pitched roof system. The result is a residence that feels both intimate and expansive.
The Basalt Brick House by JOHO Architecture is a beautiful study in material honesty, modern restraint, and contextual response. It shows how compact urban dwellings can still deliver architectural richness, light-filled interiors, and sculptural beauty.
