UNStudio has unveiled an ambitious residential concept in Seoul, developed in collaboration with Samsung C&T Corporation. The Hannamdong-4 Residences project integrates biophilic design, sustainability, and community-centric innovation, setting a new standard for urban living in the South Korean capital.
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
Located between the iconic Han River and Namsan Mountain, the development addresses Seoul’s rapid urbanization and the resulting disconnection from natural surroundings. UNStudio’s vision reconnects the city’s residents to nature, merging architectural sophistication with environmental harmony.
The design features a unique blend of O-shaped, X-shaped, and L-shaped towers, each tailored to embrace Seoul’s natural and urban environment. The O-shaped towers, positioned along the Han River, incorporate a spiral design adorned with waterlily-inspired rotating modules that create a dynamic green spine. The X-shaped and L-shaped towers complement these forms with facades inspired by white pine textures and waterlily motifs, combining artistry with environmental integration.
This biophilic approach, referred to as the Biophilic Nexus, prioritizes residents’ well-being by incorporating elements that mimic natural patterns. The design is further enriched with flexible residential layouts, allowing customization to suit diverse family structures and modern lifestyles.
Sustainability is at the core of the Hannamdong-4 Residences. The development employs green terraces, rainwater harvesting, and permeable paving to reduce environmental impact while promoting biodiversity. Advanced energy-efficient technologies, solar panels, and renewable energy systems enhance the ecological balance of the area, connecting the Han River to Namsan through an environmentally conscious lens.
The project also introduces Highline 365, a 365-meter elevated walkway featuring gardens, jogging tracks, and green spaces, alongside five parks covering 33,000 square meters. These expansive green areas, more than five times the size of the Seoul City Hall lawn, provide vital communal spaces for residents and the broader community.
UNStudio draws inspiration from South Korea’s rich cultural heritage to inform the project’s design language. White pines, once thought to be extinct in Seoul, and waterlilies, symbolic of the Han River, are central motifs that connect the project to its historical and geographical context. These elements lend a timeless yet contemporary aesthetic to the buildings, bridging the past and the future.
Designed to foster connectivity and shared experiences, the development includes a community center with 360-degree panoramic views and various amenities. The concept emphasizes creating a balanced urban lifestyle where residents can thrive individually and collectively.
UNStudio’s Hannamdong-4 Residences marks a transformative step in Seoul’s architectural landscape. By integrating sustainability, biophilic principles, and cultural sensitivity, the project establishes a blueprint for future urban developments. Its visionary approach to harmonizing city living with nature ensures a meaningful, sustainable, and community-driven residential experience.
Project Credits
Client: Samsung C&T
Design Team: Ben van Berkel, Astrid Piber, and UNStudio team with advisors THE JIIN Architects and Associates
Visualizations: Flying Architecture and UNStudio
