A Cozy Weekend Retreat in South Korea Emphasizes Quality Family Time

Wanting a weekend home where they could unwind while enjoying each other’s company, a couple with two daughters called on Tru Architects to build a house in Bugok, South Korea, a destination known for its hot springs.

The firm focused on the family’s desire to de-stress and gather, designing every detail of the space to facilitate easy interaction and socializing. At the heart of the home, the kitchen and dining room is joined by a central island that serves as both a cooking space and a place to serve meals.

The kitchen area is lowered, and the upper level has seating for dining or enjoying the company of whoever is cooking. Members of the family working in the kitchen remain eye-level with anyone seated across the island, and can easily carry on conversation.

Decking at the front of the home wraps around to create a porch that’s covered by an extension of the gable roof. The space is cozy, but it remains connected to the elements through openings at the front and rear that provide views of the landscape.

A large window connects the porch to the kitchen, creating sight lines through the length of the home and allowing family members to converse. A door from the dining area provides access to the space as well.

All of the furniture and cabinetry was custom built for the space. A built-in piece invites people from the kitchen into the goings-on of the porch.

A built-in desk in the bedroom creates an area to work or read on one side, and provides a shelf at the headboard of the bed, which is positioned to look out through a picture window.

The house creates an environment in tune with the movements and activities of its owners, and facilitates positive interactions within, and beyond, its four wall.

Related Reading:

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Project Credits:

Architect of Record: Tru Architects / @tru_found

Builder/General Contractor: Osung C&I

Structural Engineer: Eun Engineering

Photographer: Yousub Song (Studio Worlderful)

Interior Design: Tru Architects