From Communal to Intimate – A Privacy Gradient Through the Levels

Megan Harris Megan Harris
One Roof House, mlnp architects mlnp architects Corredores, halls e escadas modernos
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This home in Korea, designed by MLNP Architects, prioritises spatial arrangement and sectional relationship over the exterior appearance. The home is spread over three levels. The ground level comprises the communual living space; the open plan living room opens to both the front and back yards. The second floor is intended as a more private family space, whilst the attic level provides an intimate space for the parents, a library for the children, and a roof terrace that opens to the sky. As one ascends through the home, the various levels decrease in height, enhancing feelings of intimacy and privacy. 

The black and white exterior

The exterior is clad in two different materials. The ground floor has a white exterior insulation finishing wall, while the gable roof and upper level are clad in a dark vertical sheet metal. The impressive south-facing triangular window features 32 millimeters thick polycarbonate. This allows light to softly filter into the interior spaces during the day, and later as night falls, the house slips into shadow and the openings delicately glow with the light from inside.

Ground floor living

Here we can see the large open-plan living area that occupies the ground floor. The beautiful natural timber flooring continues up the stair, creating a continuity through the space. Crisp, white walls reflect the ample natural day light and enhance the feeling of spaciousness. Opening to the outside on both sides with full height glass sliders, there is a seamless transition between inside and out. On one side there is a large bench, intended to be shared with the neighbors; this is is a wonderful indication of the intention to foster a sense of community. 

Negative details

Continuing up to the second floor, there is a second living space that is afforded a greater level of privacy and intimacy without losing connection to the ground floor. A sense of flow is considered throughout the home; the stairs are staggered at opposite ends of the house creating a figure of 8 circulation pattern. Negative details are used throughout, such as where the stair balustrade meets the wall; held apart, the space in-between preserves their difference and provides an unexpected detail.

A wonderful moment

One of the most elegant and thoughtful moments in the home is this stair that connects the upper level with the attic. The first flight of stairs continues in the natural timber flooring, extending across the entire space to form a fantastic library nook. The second light of stairs takes on a weightlessness, cantilevered from the wall with open risers. This creates a perceptible change as one ascends to the final and most private level of the home; one may feel a moment of separation from the rest of the house as they climb the final flight. 

Library for the kids

Above, a cozy mezzanine library sits within the attic space. Flooded with light from the gable window and a large skylight, this is a wonderful little space for the children to sit and read high up in the sky. The home utilises space with great effect, creating a variety of spaces that each evoke a different atmosphere. For more library and media room ideas, take a look here!

Media room for the parents

The children are not the only ones with a fantastic little nook in the attic, the designers haven't forgotten about the adults! A simple but delightful media room, allows the parents to escape into the fictional world of film, removing themselves from the everyday. 

If you enjoyed this project, you may also like The Tea House – a Family Home!

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