December 3rd at 9:55 PM on EBS1 [건축탐구 집 – 버릴 게 하나도 없는 집] The episode is broadcast.
100 points of durability from a person with 12 years of country house experience, 100% usability
Jo Gil-ho and Nam Nam-young, who live in Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do. A couple who had previously built a house and lived in it for 12 years was most concerned about building a second house, ‘a house that can be used 100%’. The owner and his wife wanted a flawless house that they would live in for the next 10 or 20 years so that they would not have to do much work. What kind of inner strength is hidden in a house that removes unnecessary flashy things and fills it with only the necessary items, taking advantage of the housing experience?
My wife, Nam Mi-young, wondered if the garage space could be used as an indoor space. What I felt while living in a country house was that visitors came to visit us surprisingly often. For guests visiting briefly, the garage close to the front door has been converted into a welcome room to provide a pleasant space for both the guests and the homeowner. Another aspect of this house that is considerate of guests is that the guest room is separated like a separate building and even has a separate bathroom. In addition,the structure is designed to connect the kitchen,living room,and master bedroom through the entrance,and the bathroom is placed next to the entrance and before the middle door to separate it from the house,making it a sensible point that takes everyoneS privacy into consideration. This is also an idea born from know-how from housing experience.
“Where and how you spend your money is more important.”
The biggest obstacle to building a house is, of course, budget. Through one experience, the owner couple came to the conclusion that what is more important than ‘how much money you have’ is ’where and how you spend your money.’ Rather of boldly eliminating the second floor and attic space, which are tough to walk in, the number of bathrooms was increased to four. In addition, instead of an island table that is difficult to keep clean, a spacious pantry and kitchen screen were used to create a kitchen that was properly hidden and compact. Also, her husband, Jo Gil-ho, simplified the landscaping so that the garden could be easily managed with just one rock and one pine tree that came out during construction. Instead, the warehouse was built spaciously to store tools needed for country life, adding satisfaction to the couple’s life through ’selection and concentration.’
“A house that won’t be repaired even after 10 or 20 years.”
The owner couple in their 60s built their last house with the intention of living there for the rest of their lives. It’s nice to be flashy and pretty, but now I think it’s more critically important to have a house that is flawless and can be used for a long time. Rather than an eye-catchingly extravagant house, I wanted a simple and sturdy house that blended in with nature, with the roof shape modeled after the mountain landscape.Through many years of housing experience, we visit a 100% usable home of a couple who chose to ‘reduce’ rather than ‘reveal’.
Minimum space, maximum use! A small but strong compact house.
Kim Jong-hyuk and Kim Nari, who live in Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. As I was raising two sons,I decided to build a house to free myself from noise between floors,but it was not easy to leave the city center because of the educational infrastructure. In a major city housing complex where land prices are notoriously expensive,the client couple was concerned about a house that could be used efficiently as they were building a house on a narrow lot. What is the secret to using the space in this house that makes even a small house look spacious?
“When functionality and aesthetics conflict, choose function.”
After deciding to build a house, the principle the couple set was to prioritize ‘functionality’ over ‘aesthetics.’ So, instead of a house that could take various shapes into consideration, the couple built a rectangular house using Passive House. Thanks to this, we were able to spend warm winters and cool summers. Although it is rectangular in shape, this house, which looks like a diagonal shape by connecting the second floor of the main building to the rooftop of the annex, has a pergola-shaped parking lot thanks to the connecting bridge. The covered parking lot is not only used as a parking space, but also as a party space with tables, and as a space for my husband’s hobby of woodworking on rainy days.
“It’s a small house, so let’s maximize space efficiency.”
na-ri Kim, a wife who thought about making more use of her home with her husband. As much consideration was given to space utilization, all spaces in this house were designed so that they could be used for multiple purposes. On the first floor, rather of a sofa, a platform using steps is created to create a space to enjoy with children, and the steps created while creating the platform can be used as storage space by putting a cabinet in them. And the stairs, whose walls are filled with bookshelves, are not just a space to go up and down, but also serve as a study room for children to read books. In addition,the room connected to the living room on the second floor has been completed so that it can be used as an expanded living room when opened using a sliding door,and as a guest room when closed.
My husband, Kim Jong-hyuk, felt that even a small house can feel spacious if you open it up to multiple uses rather of restricting one space to one use. the owner couple feels first-hand that narrowness and width are not resolute by the ‘square footage’ of the house, but rather depend on ‘utilization’. This house, which can be used for various purposes depending on the needs, becomes a transformer and becomes a customized helper in the family’s life.
Economy Queen Reporter park Yu-mi Photo = EBS Architectural Exploration House
How can homeowners balance functionality and aesthetics in their home renovations?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Home Design Expert
time.news Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.news! Today,we have an exciting guest,renowned home design expert Dr. Lee So-young. She’s here to share her insights on a recent episode of EBS’s “Architectural Exploration: House,” which features a couple who designed their second home with a focus on utility and durability. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Lee!
Dr. Lee So-young (DLS): Thank you for having me! I’m thrilled to discuss this fascinating approach to home design.
TNE: The episode showcases a couple, Jo Gil-ho and Nam Nam-young, who have drawn from their 12 years of living in their frist house to build a new one that emphasizes practicality. What stands out to you about their philosophy of creating a “100% usable” home?
DLS: What I find notably intriguing is their emphasis on functionality over aesthetics. They’ve shifted their focus to essentials, removing anything unnecessary and tailoring their spaces based on experience. This practical approach can lead to a more enduring and comfortable living habitat, prioritizing the long-term usability of each space.
TNE: You mentioned sustainability, which is a hot topic in today’s housing debates. Can you elaborate on how their home design speaks to that concept?
DLS: Absolutely! Sustainability in home design isn’t just about using eco-pleasant materials; it also involves creating spaces that serve multiple functions and minimize waste. For instance, they converted their garage into a welcome room, which not only makes efficient use of space but also enhances guest experience. This thoughtfulness is a perfect example of sustainable living that can reduce the need for future renovations or expansions.
TNE: They also faced challenges in budgeting. How do you think their approach to spending—prioritizing where and how to allocate funds—could inform others who are looking to build or renovate?
DLS: It’s a critical consideration! Too often, homeowners may focus solely on the overall budget without considering the impact of their choices. By understanding their priorities—like increasing the number of bathrooms instead of adding unnecessary square footage—they achieved a balance between comfort and cost.Their strategy demonstrates that thoughtful investment in key areas can yield a more livable space without overspending.
TNE: One of the compelling features of their design is the layout, which considers privacy and functionality. Can you describe how such layout decisions can improve day-to-day living?
DLS: Layout is crucial! A well-thought-out design minimizes disruption and maximizes privacy, especially when entertaining guests. Their decision to separate the guest bathroom from the main house ensures comfort for visitors while maintaining the homeowner’s privacy. This kind of layout not only enhances the daily living experience but also reflects a deep understanding of the dynamics of hosting and home life.
TNE: They also chose to simplify their landscaping to ease maintenance. What insights can you share about the importance of balancing indoor and outdoor spaces?
DLS: It boils down to creating harmony between the interior and exterior. Simplifying landscaping can alleviate upkeep responsibilities while still providing beauty and enjoyment.By integrating elements from the surrounding environment, such as incorporating a single rock and a pine tree, they’ve created a peaceful outdoor retreat that complements the home without overwhelming it.This balance is vital for creating a cohesive living experience.
TNE: Lastly, Dr. Lee, what key takeaways can you suggest for our readers who aspire to build or redesign their homes with these principles in mind?
DLS: I would advise them to focus on usability and simplicity. Think deeply about yoru lifestyle needs and how each space in your home can serve multiple purposes.Prioritize quality over quantity, and don’t hesitate to think outside the box when it comes to materials and layouts. Remember,a thoughtfully designed home not only reflects your style but also enhances your daily life.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Lee, for these invaluable insights! It’s clear that designing a home is not just about aesthetics but about creating a functional sanctuary that truly meets one’s needs.
DLS: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing such a meaningful topic.
TNE: And thank you to our readers for tuning in. We hope you found this discussion insightful and inspiring for your own home design endeavors!