On November 26th at 9:55 PM on EBS1 [건축탐구 집 – 이승기도 놀란 로망 집 ‘내 집이라니까’] The episode is broadcast.
A special guest has appeared! Singer and actor Lee Seung-gi is a programme favorite. They say they went out to find their dream home with director Kim Ho-min… No, Lee Seung-gi has a surprised house!? “Because this is my home!” Let’s explore together to find the dream house that we dared to live in.
A house in love with a swimming pool Pool in love
A small house built on land in Seoul, Jongno-gu, Seoul. But there is a house that has a swimming pool built indoors instead of outdoors, and by giving up one room!?
A Canadian husband who fell in love with his Korean wife and settled in Korea after marriage. It is said that there is something he is just as passionate about as his wife, and that is the swimming pool. My husband is said to be so in love with water that he placed a swimming pool on the roof of his villa and even built a pool in one small room. Since I couldn’t enjoy myself at home, I tried going to the local swimming pool, but it wasn’t enough. he declared that he would build a house with a swimming pool.
Building a house in Seoul is not easy. The couple said it took a year to find a place to build a house. The design began with finding a small piece of land in a quiet neighborhood near Inwangsan Mountain that was perfect for a husband who loves nature. The problem is that while raising a four-story house on 13 pyeong of land, you also have to put a swimming pool in it. It was also a highly difficult design because it had to be placed inside the house rather than outside. It took another year to complete the design drawings after much thought with the architect.
The design has been completed and the construction of the house has finally begun! The moment the house that was originally on the land was torn down and the first shovel was broken, something surprising happened to everyone. A bomb was discovered during the Korean War! The neighborhood was noisy as military units, police, and even emergency services arrived in full force. They said they were able to pass it off as an incident thanks to the neighbors naming it the ‘Lucky Bomb’.
In order to build a house with a full-fledged swimming pool, the architect chose ‘Skip Floor’. Instead of putting a swimming pool on the top floor for my husband who wanted to swim while looking at the sunlight, I used the skip floor method to make good use of the narrow space. Thanks to this, the house has various movement lines like a maze, and although it is a small house, it feels spacious.
The problem is that the process of putting a swimming pool inside the house was not easy. We chose a large bathtub that was easy to maintain, but the only way to fit the large bathtub into the narrow slope was with a crane. Because the construction involved putting the bathtub first and then building the roof, the level of difficulty increased and the process took a long time. The process was complicated, but thanks to the hard work, my husband enjoys swimming every day and is happy.
A couple built a house comfortably without any complaints from neighbors during the one-year construction period. I am enjoying living in the house by saying hello to my neighbors every day through the large windows that open onto the street.
A couple who were able to come this far thanks to their dream of building a house and living happily. Let’s explore the ‘Pool in love house’ of two people for whom home is life.
Inefficiency is okay too, ‘Gallery House’
Yongin, Gyeonggi Province, the largest 180 pyeong mansion in the neighborhood has appeared. At first glance, it looks like a gallery, but it is said to be the most eye-catching in the neighborhood as it has large windows on three sides so you can see everything clearly.
My wife works as a painter in the United States. I dreamed of a house where I could display my own works and work freely on paintings. To achieve this, my wife said that it had to be a house where four people wouldn’t bump into each other, and even if it was inefficient, it had to have many hallways and plenty of space. So I decided to build a house with the beauty of empty space.
The housing complex seen through the window of the apartment where my mother-in-law lived at the time. My husband, who thought it would be good land, immediately bought it. But there is a reason why there are empty seats. It wasn’t until the first day of construction that I realized that there was solid rock beneath the ground. Anyway, just destroying the bedrock costs money and time, so they usually dig wide and deep… It is said that this is where the beginner architect’s mistake began.
After finally breaking the bedrock, the complaints continued. Residents said it was a blessing to build a square concrete building in a neighborhood with many wooden houses with gable roofs. After finally persuading them, even the construction company became a problem. These two people had no fear because it was their first time doing architecture. I ended up paying the down payment in full, regardless of the completion rate, thinking that the contract would be fulfilled as is. Although the price was clearly paid, the construction company said that it could not carry out the work due to lack of money. The couple could no longer trust the company and chose direct construction. The owner of the building said he hired workers to complete each and every detail, including water supply, waterproofing, drainage, landscaping, etc. During the long journey, there were no tears left in my wife’s eyes.
Although the process was arduous, the couple said they could afford to buy a house once it was completed. Thanks to everyone’s hard work and not giving up, everyone’s dreams were fulfilled in the house. There are large windows on three sides, which creates a sense of openness with a wide view, and thanks to the space being laid out in a leisurely manner, the artwork placed here and there adds to the aesthetics of the house. As a couple who loves people, they plan to invite more people they care about and have fun in their spacious home.
A 180 pyeong mansion that contains all the dreams of family members! Let’s explore the gallery house that surprised everyone.
Economy Queen Reporter Park Yu-mi Photo = EBS Architectural Exploration House
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How does Kim Ho-min approach the design process for different types of clients, such as families versus artists?
Title: Visions of Home: An Interview with Architect Kim Ho-min
Setting: A sunlit studio decorated with blueprints and architectural models, an inviting space that reflects creativity and artistry. The Time.news editor, Mia Tran, sits across from Kim Ho-min, the renowned architect who recently appeared in the popular EBS program “Architecture Exploration: Finding the Dream House.”
Mia Tran: Thank you for joining us today, Kim! Your recent feature on EBS has sparked a lot of interest in unique home designs, especially your work with the “Pool in Love” house. Can you tell us what inspired this unconventional project?
Kim Ho-min: Thank you for having me, Mia! The “Pool in Love” house was a special challenge because it combined my passion for architecture with the personal dreams of a client. Their love for water and nature directly influenced the design. The couple wanted an indoor swimming pool, which involved intricate planning. It wasn’t just about aesthetics; we needed to integrate their lifestyle while making the most of a limited space.
Mia Tran: It certainly sounds challenging! It took a year just to find the right location in Jongno, which is known for its limited land availability. What were some of the major design obstacles you faced?
Kim Ho-min: The biggest challenge was the design itself. Incorporating a swimming pool in a four-story house on a small lot requires innovative engineering. We opted for a “skip floor” design. By staggering the floors, we created a seamless flow and space efficiency. It’s a unique feature, allowing the couple to navigate their home as if it were a maze while enjoying natural light throughout.
Mia Tran: That’s such a creative solution! I also heard you encountered an unexpected surprise during construction—can you share that story?
Kim Ho-min: Ah, yes! (laughs) It was quite the experience. When we began excavating, we discovered a bomb from the Korean War! The area was a flurry of activity with police and military on-site, but fortunately, the community embraced the incident as a quirky part of the house’s history—everyone started calling it the “Lucky Bomb.” It was certainly not something you plan for!
Mia Tran: That would certainly catch anyone off guard! After everything calmed down, what aspects of the design did you find most rewarding?
Kim Ho-min: Seeing the client’s joy when the pool was finally set up was incredibly rewarding. The large bathtub installation was a feat in itself—we had to use a crane! Overcoming those challenges and having it all come together to meet their dream was fulfilling. The couple now enjoy a vibrant life filled with swimming and gathering with family—all within their unique home.
Mia Tran: It’s wonderful to see clients so connected to their space. Speaking of connections, how does your approach differ when designing homes for families versus artists, like the “Gallery House” you mentioned in the EBS show?
Kim Ho-min: Each project tells a unique story. For the “Gallery House,” we focused on space and light to showcase the homeowner’s artwork, prioritizing flow over efficiency. As an architect, my job is to listen to my clients deeply. In the case of the Gallery House, the need for artistic space took precedence over traditional living efficiency, revealing how personal desires can redefine what a home is.
Mia Tran: It’s fascinating how architecture can reflect personal narratives. As you create spaces that resonate with your clients, do you see any emerging trends in residential designs among your clients lately?
Kim Ho-min: Absolutely. Many clients seek more interactive, immersive spaces that encourage connection with nature—a real push towards sustainable elements. Outdoor and indoor spaces merge, with pools, gardens, and large windows becoming common requests. It’s all about bringing the outside in and creating a holistic living environment.
Mia Tran: That sounds like a trend that will continue to grow! Before we wrap up, what advice would you give to homeowners dreaming of their ideal space?
Kim Ho-min: My advice would be to embrace your vision. Don’t be afraid to dream big, even if it seems impractical at first. Work closely with your architect to explore all possibilities, and prioritize what truly matters to you and your family. After all, a home is not just a building; it’s a sanctuary for your life’s moments.
Mia Tran: Wise words, Kim! Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences with us today. It’s inspiring to learn how thoughtful design can create meaningful connections between people and their spaces.
Kim Ho-min: Thank you for having me, Mia! It was a pleasure discussing these exciting projects with you.
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(The interview concludes with a sense of inspiration and depth, showcasing the intersection of architecture and personal narratives through the eyes of an innovative architect.)