

SsD architecture uses adaptable unit blocks in songpa micro housing in seoul

all images courtesy of SsD architecture

as urban density and cost of housing increases by the year, the global problem can be seen in major cities such as the south korea capital, seoul. using this notion, korean firm SsD architecture created the ‘songpa micro-housing’ scheme composed of 14 ‘unit blocks’ which uniquely allows the residents to adapt their home’s configuration depending on their changing life and work situations.

residents can either claim a single space, or in the case where a couple or friends desire to live together, recombine the blocks for larger configurations. the scheme introduces a new typology that extends the limits of the housing unit to integrate semi-public circulation and balconies.



the building has integrated 14 ‘unit block’ residences

‘as unit types get smaller however, land costs coupled with developer driven profit margins can merely create a provisional housing type with little social value’ comments SsD architecture, the communal space in between the units are ‘ like the ambiguous gel around a tapioca pearl, this ‘tapioca space’ becomes a soft intersection between public/private and interior/exterior, creating social fabrics between neighbors.’



a metal screen protects and masks the structural units

the building itself is comprised of a series of rising volumes; their heights, differing recessions masked by metal screen which wraps around the entire scheme, while acting as the railings, barrier and drainage paths. inside, the basic micro-unit is compact but contains everything the resident needs due to the efficient, operable walls. light is permeated into the space through clerestory windows and simultaneously extends the ceiling plane. further stimulating the sense of community, exhibition spaces on the ground floor, basement, and second floors are spatially linked to the units as a shared living room, all the while the exposed bridges at the core link the residences together.

the micro-auditorium, entry lobby, and sky-wells punctuate the public open ground plane



the ground floor becomes an open-program area that allows gatherings

the micro-theater doubles as an entry to the cafe

a micro courtyard connects the activity of the ground floor to the toy gallery below

the efficient walling system provides for the programs needed in a home

the bed folds down from the wall

the ‘building blocks’ of units can easily be converted to a gallery

through adjacency and bridges, the 120 sf unit modules can also be combined into larger 240 sf units

sectional drawing of the scheme

songpa micro-housing scheme in seoul