GREE Multi-Family Housing by Suum21 Architecture: A Contemporary Village for Urban Living

A New Vision for Urban Multi-Family Living

The GREE Multi-Family Housing project, designed by Suum21 Architecture, reimagines multi-unit housing in South Korea through the lens of spatial openness, privacy, and functional beauty. This 8026 ft² project is nestled in a picturesque, hillside neighborhood and stands as a thoughtful reinterpretation of urban village aesthetics blended with personalized living solutions.

A Design Rooted in Lifestyle & Landscape

From the very first meeting, the project was driven by the client’s deep knowledge of architecture and his vision for a home that prioritizes open space, privacy, and multi-functional living. With a background in finance and a passion for music, the client envisioned a unique living space: a rooftop for social gatherings with a deluxe kitchen, and a dedicated music area for personal enjoyment.

Suum21 Architecture responded with a vertically organized structure that separates the owner's private residence from the rental units, cleverly addressing issues of noise, privacy, and circulation without relying on the typical shared core design seen in many apartment buildings.

Vertical Separation for Privacy and Quiet

Unlike conventional apartment buildings where circulation is centered around a single core with stairs and elevators, GREE introduces independent vertical entries through semi-private courtyards for each household. This not only enhances privacy but also offers a richer spatial experience. The floor plan was optimized to ensure natural views and daylight reach all primary living areas, with sightlines opening toward small gardens and hilly landscapes.

Each unit includes private outdoor spaces such as sunken gardens, terraces, yards, and attics—providing personal sanctuaries and healing environments for residents.

Integrating Lifestyle with Architecture

The owner’s home is customized to support their daily routine and social needs. A large 7.2-meter window in the living area visually connects the interior with a spacious terrace and a garden below, reinforcing the desired openness. A private elevator connects the underground garage to the rooftop kitchen, facilitating seamless transitions during events while preserving everyday privacy.

Architectural Massing and Materiality

A defining feature of the project is its unique massing, segmented by a central courtyard and topped with five distinct gabled roofs. Each gable serves a different function: creating attics with individual characters. One becomes a multi-purpose rooftop space, another is a hidden retreat off the master bedroom, while the third serves rental tenants.

The gables also serve as shading devices, with louvers casting dynamic shadows throughout the day, offering both visual interest and solar control. The front gable on the rooftop acts as a privacy screen for the open-air kitchen.

Natural Materials for Timeless Appeal

The facade is finished in a blend of two granites and natural Ipe wood louvers. The darker granite sets a calm base, while the lighter copper-green stone adds contrast and highlights the dynamic massing of the building. Known for its durability and ease of maintenance, granite ensures long-term resilience. Meanwhile, the Ipe wood adds warmth and texture, creating a softer contrast against the stone's solidity.

 Urban Living Reimagined

GREE Multi-Family Housing is more than a collection of homes—it is an architectural statement about how modern urban housing can remain personal, flexible, and intimately connected to nature. Suum21 Architecture has delivered a design that balances the practical needs of rental housing with the aesthetic and emotional needs of the owner’s residence.

All Photographs are works of Youngchae Park, Seonwoo Jung,