Daebong-dong Commercial Skip Floor: A Unique Architectural Marvel

Architect Junghee Lee's Innovative Design Wins Silver A' Design Award

The project's inspiration stems from the site's location in Daegu City, a popular neighborhood frequented by young people, especially on weekends. The area gained popularity after the construction of singer Kim Gwangseok's streets in 2010. Lee aimed to design a building that would not overshadow the neighboring structures, yet still possess unique characteristics. The result was a building with a size of 1/3 of the legal maximum possible size, maintaining a harmonious balance with the surrounding architecture.

One of the unique properties of the Daebong-dong Commercial Skip Floor is its division of a large floor space into several smaller spaces. Despite being a two-story building, it effectively becomes a four-floor space, extending up to the outside deck on the roof. This was achieved by employing a skip floor design. Furthermore, an exposed concrete wall divides each floor into two parts, adding another layer of spatial division.

The building's realization involved the use of pine-wood exposed concrete, red cedar, and low e glass. These materials contribute to the building's distinct aesthetic, characterized by contrasting floor and ceiling finishes. The installation of a skylight ensures the influx of natural light during the daytime, enhancing the interior ambiance.

The design process, which spanned from June to August 2014, and the construction period, from November 2014 to April 2015, presented several challenges. One of the most notable was the creation of a wooden louver folding door. However, these challenges were successfully overcome, resulting in a design that is both functional and visually appealing.

The Daebong-dong Commercial Skip Floor is more than just a commercial cafe. It is a testament to Junghee Lee's architectural prowess and innovative approach to design. The building's unique features, combined with its harmonious integration into the neighborhood, make it a deserving recipient of the Silver A' Design Award. This award is given to designs that demonstrate remarkable technical characteristics, artistic skill, and a high level of excellence.