Architectural Cases

The Charcoal Haus, a distinctive commercial structure designed by MOC Architects, stands as a testament to contemporary design principles harmonizing with natural landscapes. Completed in 2024, this 247 square meter building is nestled on a pine-covered hillside in Yangsan-si, South Korea. Its unique placement offers unexpected views, balancing the serenity of a greenbelt zone with the dynamic presence of a nearby industrial complex. The architectural vision thoughtfully integrates the site's existing features, including a partially finished garden and fish pond, transforming a potentially awkward space into a cohesive and functional commercial environment.

The location of Charcoal Haus presents a fascinating paradox. While its position within a protected greenbelt limits surrounding development, an adjacent industrial zone creates an open vista, a characteristic often absent in such natural settings. This juxtaposition inspired the architects to craft a building that acknowledges both the tranquility of nature and the practicality of commerce. The design process involved careful consideration of the site's previous life, incorporating remnants of a former business into the new commercial narrative. This adaptive reuse of the landscape elements contributes to the building's distinctive identity.

MOC Architects, led by Shin Juyoung and Hwanghyunhye, meticulously designed Charcoal Haus to blend seamlessly into its environment while offering a modern commercial space. The project's aesthetic likely draws inspiration from its charcoal namesake, suggesting a palette and material selection that grounds the building within its natural context. The integration of existing natural features, such as the garden and fish pond, indicates a design philosophy that values continuity and respect for the site's history. This thoughtful approach ensures that Charcoal Haus is not just a building, but a part of the landscape it inhabits.

The Charcoal Haus by MOC Architects represents a thoughtful and innovative approach to commercial architecture in South Korea. It navigates the complexities of a unique site, blending natural beauty with commercial functionality and transforming inherent challenges into design opportunities. The project underscores the importance of contextual design, demonstrating how new constructions can respectfully coexist with both ecological zones and industrial developments.

JKMM Architects has skillfully reimagined the Kirkkonummi city library, creating Fyyri, a modern civic center that thoughtfully integrates with the municipality's historical context. The project revitalizes the area around the medieval stone church and the open market, transforming it into a vibrant cultural hub. Through careful design choices, Fyyri both respects its heritage and provides a contemporary space for the community. The building's copper shingle facade, reminiscent of nautical themes, and its expansive terrace overlooking the ancient churchyard, establish a deep connection to Kirkkonummi’s past and present.

This innovative architectural endeavor exemplifies a successful dialogue between historical preservation and forward-thinking urban development. By strategically positioning the library and its associated public spaces, JKMM Architects have fostered a sense of community and reinforced the library's role as a central pillar of civic life. The design not only caters to the practical needs of a modern library but also enhances the aesthetic and cultural landscape of Kirkkonummi, ensuring its relevance for future generations while honoring its unique historical narrative.

A Seamless Blend of History and Modernity

In Kirkkonummi, Finland, JKMM Architects undertook the transformation of the city's main library into Fyyri, a vibrant modern civic hub. Situated prominently across from the town's medieval stone church, the renovated building forms a cohesive civic center alongside the nearby open market. This strategic placement highlights the library's integration into the historic urban fabric, while its contemporary design and functionality offer a renewed sense of purpose and accessibility for the community of 40,000 inhabitants. The architectural approach emphasizes a respectful yet innovative dialogue with its historical surroundings.

The reimagined library, Fyyri, showcases a distinctive 50-meter-long covered terrace that provides sweeping views of the historic churchyard, inviting contemplation and community gathering. The exterior, clad in copper shingles, evokes the region’s rich maritime legacy, creating a visual link to its past while presenting a sleek, modern aesthetic. This choice of material and design not only protects the structure but also imbues it with a unique character that resonates with both local history and contemporary architectural trends. The project successfully balances the demands of a modern public institution with the desire to honor and enhance its cultural and historical setting.

Fyyri: A New Chapter for Kirkkonummi's Public Space

Fyyri, the newly unveiled Kirkkonummi Library designed by JKMM Architects, represents a significant evolution of public space within this Finnish municipality. The architectural firm's vision was to transcend the traditional role of a library, creating a dynamic civic center that complements the existing historical landmarks. By positioning the library strategically in relation to the medieval stone church and the bustling open market, Fyyri anchors itself as a central point of activity and cultural exchange, fostering a stronger sense of community for Kirkkonummi's residents. This transformation underscores the importance of libraries as vital communal assets in the modern age.

A key design element of Fyyri is its thoughtfully conceived 50-meter-long sheltered terrace, which offers panoramic vistas of the adjacent churchyard. This outdoor extension not only provides a tranquil space for patrons but also physically and visually connects the library to its historical context, creating a seamless experience between indoor and outdoor environments. The building's striking copper shingle facade is a deliberate nod to Kirkkonummi's maritime heritage, giving the structure a distinctive and memorable presence. This material selection, coupled with the overall design, ensures that Fyyri is not merely a building but a landmark that embodies both the town's historical roots and its forward-looking aspirations as a contemporary civic and cultural institution.