Bomun House by Atelier ITCH: A Compact Urban Residence with Smart Design Solutions

Innovative Residential Architecture in Seoul

Located in Sungbuk-gu, Seoul, Bomun House is a compact yet thoughtfully designed urban residence by Atelier ITCH. With a total area of 37 m², this project exemplifies innovative small-scale residential architecture in a dense urban environment. Completed in 2024, the house reimagines the traditional multi-family housing typology, incorporating contemporary design strategies to maximize space, light, and functionality.

Urban Context and Site Challenges

Bomun House is situated in a narrow alley lined with three- to four-story red brick apartment buildings, a common feature in Seoul's residential districts. The original structure faced significant spatial constraints:

• The external staircase, positioned on the south-facing façade, obstructed natural light.
• Adjacent buildings, only one meter away on both sides, severely limited views and sunlight penetration.
• The alley itself was barely wide enough for vehicular access, creating challenges in construction and design adaptability.

Despite these constraints, the architects at Atelier ITCH transformed the space into a bright, open, and functionally optimized home.

Owner’s Vision: Private Living with an Expansive Feel

One of the key reasons the owner selected this property was its fourth-floor terrace, offering an unobstructed view of the sky—a rare feature in such a tightly packed urban setting. The owner’s plan included:

• Renting out the first and second floors for income generation.
• Utilizing the third and fourth floors as a private residence.
• Enhancing spatial openness despite limited indoor space, with a primary focus on maximizing the terrace’s potential.

Design Concept: Elevating Simplicity and Functionality

Reimagining the Facade

The original structure featured a cluttered and disorganized street-facing elevation, dominated by the external staircase. In response, Atelier ITCH refined the building’s aesthetic, prioritizing:

• A streamlined façade design to create a cleaner, more cohesive look.
• Contrasting materials to distinguish Bomun House from its surroundings.
• Cost-effective yet visually striking solutions that balanced budget constraints with architectural impact.

Maximizing Natural Light and Ventilation

Given the limited exposure to natural light, the architects prioritized strategies to enhance airflow and brightness inside the home:

• Seamless integration between the fourth floor and the terrace, ensuring better cross-ventilation.
• Extending exterior materials to the terrace railing to block unwanted views while maintaining openness.
• Positioning the bathroom adjacent to the terrace, allowing for a unique sky-facing bathing experience.

Interior Layout: Smart Space Utilization

The narrow, multi-level structure called for an intelligent layout that optimized both private and communal areas. Key design elements include:

• A fourth-floor terrace that serves as a crucial extension of the living space, bringing in natural light and fresh air.
• A spacious bathroom with direct access to the terrace, designed to promote relaxation.
• Strategic placement of greenery on the terrace, enhancing the home’s natural ambiance.

Construction Challenges and Innovative Solutions

The compact site and tight alleyway presented significant logistical challenges during construction. The architects initially explored an atrium-like design to improve internal airflow, but the idea was discarded due to space constraints and the need for practical storage solutions.

However, the project’s standout feature—the sky-facing terrace and open bathroom concept—remained central to the design. Even with necessary compromises, the commitment to creating a refreshing, light-filled home prevailed.

A Model for Small-Scale Urban Housing

Bomun House by Atelier ITCH exemplifies how innovative architecture can redefine compact living in dense urban settings. By prioritizing natural light, smart spatial planning, and minimal yet impactful design, this project sets a new benchmark for modern, sustainable urban housing in Seoul.

All Photographs are works of Joel Moritz