Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter

ZAIRA Architects & Engineers

ELECTRICAL AND MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
SUN Eng.

ARCHITECT
Kim JongOh

PROJECT TEAM
Kim Namu, Kim Eunho

CLIENTS
KN GLOBAL

STRUCTURAL ENGINEEING
CPA Consulting Structural Engineers

PROJECT TEAM
Lee Kyubin

CIVIL ENGINEERS
Dongyang Eng.

LIGHTING ENGINEERS
Newlite

PHOTOGRAPHS
Kim JongOh

AREA
1154 m²

YEAR
2024

LOCATION
Gangdong-gu, South Korea

CATEGORY
Mixed Use Architecture, Office Buildings, Commercial Architecture

Text description provided by architect.

The site is located at the southern end of Gwangjin Bridge, on a trapezoidal plot that had long been left undeveloped.

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh

The road in front, known as "Cheonho-dong Tool Street," is somewhat bustling, but once the building is completed, it will offer a picturesque view of the Han River framed by Achasan Mountain.

The front and rear roads, with a 3.6-meter elevation difference, allow for easy underground parking without additional excavation. The client decided to build an office on this site, aiming to minimize construction costs and time by utilizing the existing terrain for a quick move-in.

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh

Due to the nature of neighborhood commercial facilities, the floor plan was significantly influenced by regulations and economic factors, requiring careful consideration of the façade and material expression. 

The client is a leading civil construction firm specializing in underground tunnel and power duct construction using Tunnel Boring Machines (TBM). Their current office building, constructed over a decade ago, appeared somewhat ordinary in representing the company's unique values.

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh

Given the company's growth, they indicated that they might consider selling the property for a larger office in the future. Despite the clear intended use of the building, its potential versatility for future purposes was also a consideration.

Nevertheless, it was crucial to reflect the company's unique values in the architecture. This aspiration stemmed not only from the client's requirements but also from the architect's desire to create a fitting space for a long-established company.

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh

"Concrete lining" refers to the concrete structure installed on the innermost layer during tunnel construction. This smooth, uniformly thick concrete element serves as both the structure and the finish of the tunnel, defining the internal space uniquely.

During the design process, I proactively visited various underground construction sites to study the client and the company, which deepened my appreciation for concrete lining and motivated me to incorporate it into the office design.

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh

The exposed concrete structure, beginning from the ground with a thickness of 450mm, defines all spaces throughout the building as it flows through floors, walls, and ceilings. 

This form, visible on the building's exterior, creates an illusion of viewing a tunnel cross-section, symbolizing the company's identity and differentiating the design while revealing the principles of architectural spatial composition.

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
© Kim JongOh
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Model 01

The basement level accommodates parking accessible from the rear road, the first floor features a café accessible from the main street, the second floor serves as an exhibition space, and the third to sixth floors contain office and meeting spaces.

The concrete lining naturally adjusts to orientation, views, and sunlight according to the varying uses on each floor. In areas where the building's shape alters the floor width, simply reversing the direction of the lining creates diversity in both internal space and façade.

Although this concept is straightforward, various technical methods such as flat slab structures, post-tensioning techniques, gang form walls, steel & reinforced concrete columns, and exposed concrete finishes were utilized in its realization.

Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Model 02
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Model 03

The interior spaces were designed to expose various facilities and lighting on the ceiling, aligning with the architectural concept.

As the client moves into their new office, marking the 30th anniversary of the company, they have rebranded and are entering a new era. It is hoped that this special space, infused with the company's values, will become a site of many cherished memories.


Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Diagram 01
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Diagram 02
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Diagram 03
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Diagram 04
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Diagram 05


Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Section 01
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Section 03
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Left Elevation
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Right Elevation
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Rear Elevation
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Front Elevation


Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - Basement Floor
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - 1st Floor
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - 2nd Floor
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - 3rd Floor
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - 4th Floor
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - 5th Floor
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - 6th Floor
Urban Lining –KN GLOBAL Headquarter
Plan - Roof