Half House – A Contemporary Small Home Overlooking the Sea from South Korea

Placed in Jangan-eup in South Korea, this small home promotes an atmosphere of calmness and tranquility through its outward views, and inward room settings.

It was built back in 2012 and designed by the firm, Architects Group RAUM, in collaboration with the architect No Jeong-min. The project has been dubbed Half House thanks to it’s unusual split between the first and second floors.

The designers state a surprising source of inspiration for the home – the music video for the Chemical Brothers “Let Forever Be”. The video sees the actress transition between two-dimensional and three-dimensional spaces. It was this idea for the creation of space and the play on geometry that lead to the design of Half House.

The house is spread over an area of 807.29-square-feet (75-square-meters) with a large portion of that dedicated to the car park. There are two stories, placed in a juxtaposition atop of one another. Despite its striking contemporary appearance, the size of the home leads to be leaving a rather meek impact on the street.

The interior, like the exterior, is finished almost entirely in white. Large picture windows can be found throughout, taking advantage of outward views that don’t compromise the occupants privacy, or soak up panoramic views of the sea to the south.

From the architect: “Windows and openings designed in the modeling process add zest to the owner’s daily life… the room with a nice view, the terrace on the second floor suitable for a party with a view over the sea, and simple and inexpensive materials emotionally link the house.”

For more small houses check out Phatthalung House, a simple home that aims to blend in among a rubber plantation. Or, this amazing 150-year-old barn conversion that’s transformed into a cozy home. See all small houses.

Photos © Yoon Joon-hwan