A Tranquil Home Trapped Between A River And A Mountain

Somewhere near Gapyeong in South Korea there’s a tranquil little site that overlooks the Burkhau River on one side and the nearby mountains on the other. It’s here that a couple decided to place their dream home. The house was designed and built by OBBA in 2017 and offers a total of 352 square meters of living space. The clients wanted easy access to the site and a surrounding environment which would allow them to enjoy peace, tranquility and a calm and relaxing atmosphere, away from noise and traffic.

This is a house built on a relatively remote site but which has easy access to the road and the nearby settlements
This is a house built on a relatively remote site but which has easy access to the road and the nearby settlements
The site is inclined and forms a slope which has been integrated into the structure and the design of the house
The site is inclined and forms a slope which has been integrated into the structure and the design of the house

The house embraces its surroundings and has been beautifully integrated with the landscape. It climbs the slope and offers panoramic views toward the river while the mountains shield it on the opposite side. In spite of the remote location, the house is not that open to the outdoors. It has large windows and glass sliding glass doors but only a few and in strategic spaces. In the big picture, the need for privacy and intimacy is just as important as the relationship with the surroundings.

The interior of the house is structured on two levels and into volumes with different functions and levels of privacy
The interior of the house is structured on two levels and into volumes with different functions and levels of privacy
The windows and openings in general are not very large, the idea being to offer a nice sense of privacy inside the house
The windows and openings in general are not very large, the idea being to offer a nice sense of privacy inside the house

Structurally speaking, the house is organized on two levels with different degrees of privacy. It takes advantage of the landscape by inviting nature into the lower level and by framing the distant views beautifully on the upper level. The lower level is an area designed for entertainment and social activities. A special feature is the set of exterior stairs which double as planters and form a sort of terraced garden that helps to bring the outdoors closer to the internal functions.

There's a staircase which follows the slope to reach the lower level living area and its design is very special
There’s a staircase which follows the slope to reach the lower level living area and its design is very special
The stairs double as planters and form a sort of tiered garden which brings nature closer to the living spaces
The stairs double as planters and form a sort of tiered garden which brings nature closer to the living spaces
This tiny tree turns this space into a lovely little courtyard, establishing a pleasant connection between the indoor and outdoor areas
This tiny tree turns this space into a lovely little courtyard, establishing a pleasant connection between the indoor and outdoor

The living area is an open and bright space with modern wall art and a palette of colors and materials inspired by nature. A long blue sofa levels with the floor behind it, being the key piece of furniture is this sunken sitting area. A butterfly chair serves as a stylish accent piece. This lounge space is framed by large windows which offer views of the garden and the adjacent outdoor terrace.

The interior spaces are tastefully decorated and furnished with simple pieces and colors inspired by nature
The interior spaces are tastefully decorated and furnished with simple pieces and colors inspired by nature
The sunken living area has an adjacent terrace and beautiful views of the surroundings
The sunken living area has an adjacent terrace and beautiful views of the surroundings

The kitchen and a modern dining area share a space to the North and have smaller windows and intimate and welcoming decors. The upper level has a living area at the center and a master bedroom and a study to the South. To the East there’s a music studio. The disposition of these functions has been carefully considered and strategically established based on the clients’ desire for tranquil relaxation areas as well as suitable spaces for entertaining guests.

The dining area is L-shaped and shares the room with the kitchen. The windows here are small but the views are nice
The dining area is L-shaped and shares the room with the kitchen. The windows here are small but the views are nice