Chiasmus Partners has created the flagship spa establishment of a cosmetics company in the capital of South Korea to sit within the character of one of the city's most notable neighbourhoods.

The project is located on an alley in an old residential area at the heart of Hongdae, one of the most commercially active areas in Seoul, and sits alongside former residences modified into hair salons, restaurants, and cafes.

In compliance with strict right-to-light laws resulting from the high density of houses, the building takes full advantage of the limited space granted within height restrictions thanks to its tilted pyramid shape.

It was constructed in the form of a single mass of exposed concrete to give the building a raw, stripped look emulating the purity of natural skin. The basement level’s high ceiling makes it possible to host a wide variety of events and exhibits with a hall that fulfils the functions of both cafe and spa, while the upper levels have smaller spaces for personalised spa care services.

This project has been longlisted in the hospitality building category of Dezeen Awards 2022.

Architect: Chiasmus Partners

Project: Areuke Spa

Read more: Chiasmus Partners