South Archives

Studio Asaï hides lodge among landscape of South African game reserve

Rammed earth walls and an organic colour scheme help this South African family lodge designed by architecture practice Studio Asaï to blend into its natural surroundings.

Tembo Tembo sits close to the Sabie River on the western edge of Kruger National Park – a sprawling game reserve that’s home to a wide array of flora and fauna, including what’s known as the “big five”: lions, leopards, rhinos, elephants and buffalo.

Tembo Tembo lodge by Studio Asai features rammed-earth walls — Tembo Tembo’s rammed earth walls blend into the landscape of the game reserve

This setting was a large point of inspiration for Paris-based Studio Asaï, which decided to construct the home from rammed earth, emulating the materiality of towering termite nests that can be seen across the reserve.

“More locally, [rammed earth] is only used for singular walls in the house, thought of as a decorative object,” explained the studio. “For Tembo Tembo, we decided to use it as the main material for the entire house.”

Entryway interior of Tembo Tembo lodge by Studio Asai — Dark wood lines the home’s moody entranceway

To ensure the stability of the home, Studio Asaï worked alongside local architect Nicholas Plewman to develop a structural skeleton that could support the roof and walls.

Locally sourced rammed earth was then applied to the structure, mixed with a sealant to make the material less porous and crumbly.

The house was also built atop an 80-centimetre-high concrete platform to keep away lizards and other critters while minimising flooding from the heavy downpours that frequently occur in the region from September onwards.

The property’s flat steel roof is meant to give the home a lower, more discrete profile.

Dining area of Tembo Tembo lodge by Studio Asai — The dining area opens onto a shaded terrace

Inhabitants access the home through a moody entryway lined with dark wood panels. A papery, three-tier pendant light hangs from the centre of the space directly above a white marble table.

The home’s rammed earth walls were left exposed in the adjacent living area, which is anchored by a modular green sofa that nods to the foliage of the South African bush.

Library of Tembo Tembo lodge by Studio Asai — Cream plaster walls and a coffered ceiling can be seen in the home’s library

To the side of this space is a contemporary kitchen complete with dark wood cabinetry and a blocky breakfast island crafted from black Zimbabwean granite.

In the corner of the room is a travertine marble dining table surrounded by chairs with woven seats. This is positioned directly next to an expansive glazed panel that, when slid back, lets inhabitants step onto a shaded terrace.

Bedroom interior of Tembo Tembo lodge by Studio Asai — Curtains help give the principal bedroom a tented safari-camp feel

Creamy plaster walls appear in the home’s library, complementing the rustic beige fabric that was set into the room’s coffered ceiling.

Studio Asaï revived the “bush” green of the sofa but this time in the form of a glossy work desk.

Designed to feel akin to a “modern safari camp”, the principal bedroom features a large bed that can be enclosed with gauzy curtains on all sides.

There’s a cosier feel in the guest bedroom where Studio Asaï has once again left the rammed earth walls bare and installed a black metal fireplace for use in the cooler months.

There’s also a striking bathroom that’s almost entirely lined in a flecked Namibian stone.

Bathroom interior of Tembo Tembo lodge by Studio Asai — Namibian stone covers surfaces in the bathroom

Tembo Tembo has made the shortlist of the home interior category at this year’s Dezeen Awards.

It will compete against other projects such as Prior Barraclough’s Union Street House, which is entirely lined in Australian hardwood, and Keiji Ashizawa Design’s Hiroo Residence, which is decked out in muted tones to amplify the space’s sense of light.

The photography is by Adrien Dirand.

Project credits:

Interior design and architecture: Studio Asaï
Architecture: Nick Plewman Architects
Landscape design: Green Inc

Reference

Architecture

20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa

By Zarkon Group,08/10/2023

South Africa is a country filled with contradictions. Home to large mountains, vast forests and endless coasts as well as to the native Xhosa and Zulu tribes and the European colonizers, the country has an array of varying landscapes and clashing cultures. Even during its contemporary history, the Apartheid era was responsible for heavily segregating South Africa in multiple of contexts.

Naturally, this countrywide division is apparent to many architectural and urban settings. Spatial inequalities, most commonly found in the city of Johannesburg, as well as the infamous marginalized District Six in Cape Town, are some examples of what challenges local architects currently face. Fortunately, from the beginning of the 21st century these ‘lines of division’ are gradually being patched up through the design and construction of many notable architectural works.

Nowadays, South African architects have the space and freedom to design in multiple contexts and for many architectural typologies, with cultural and residential architecture being the most prominent. Respectful of the country’s astounding natural landscape, conscious material use is in the epicenter of these practices. They prioritize locally sourced materials such as bricks, bamboo and stone, effectively blending them with the surrounding context while supporting local material economies and becoming pioneers in environmental sustainability.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in South Africa based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The following ranking has been created according to key statistics that demonstrate each firm’s level of architectural excellence. The following metrics have been accumulated to establish each architecture firm’s ranking, in order of priority:

The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2023)
The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2023)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of South Africa architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 20 best architecture firms in South Africa:

24. Kritzinger Architects

Kritzinger Architects is an award-winning, Cape Town based Architecture studio, founded by Jed Kritzinger and Julia Abell in 2010. They formed the practice after a ten-year stint in London working with renowned British Architect Sir Norman Foster on a number of high profile projects.
Since inception, Kritzinger Architects has gained a reputation for design excellence, having won “Best Residence Africa” at the 2012 International Property Awards, and were shortlisted for “World’s Best” the same year. The practice has been shortlisted for Cape Institute of Architecture Awards and has featured in a number of local and international publications.

The practice has designed a number of homes for international clients in South Africa, Mauritius, the Seychelles, Belgium, Portugal and more recently in Panama. In 2016 the practice was selected by Sir Richard Branson to design and refurbish his private Manor House in the Cape Winelands, as well as his hotel and spa on the estate.

Some of Kritzinger Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Kritzinger Architects achieve 24th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

23. Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD

Established in 1988, Ruben Reddy Architects is a balance of seasoned professionals and up and coming young talent, diverse architectural experience, skills and cultural backgrounds, which all merge to create innovative and inspirational design. With a staff of 59, based at six offices around South Africa, Ruben Reddy Architects has an established reputation in sport architecture, healthcare and public sector buildings, as well as extensive experience in large-scale transportation hubs, spatial planning and urban design.

We provide a full range of architectural services for projects at both a local and international level. In addition, we have the professional expertise, in-depth knowledge and proven experience to provide the specialist services in sports consulting, sport bid development, and sport event planning, as well as education, healthcare, hospitality and institutional facilities. Service delivery is key to our success. With a team that is solution-driven, we work closely with our Clients and the relevant stakeholders, to produce projects and outcomes, that meet the needs of both the Client and the end-user.

Some of Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD achieve 23rd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

22. Thomas Gouws Architects

Thomas Gouws Architects design exclusive contemporary residences, holiday houses, lodges, and selective commercial projects.

Some of Thomas Gouws Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Thomas Gouws Architects achieve 22nd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

21. Activate Architects

Architecture has a significant if not massive impact on our physical environment, and a less obvious but equally significant impact on our psyche. Activate is focused on architecture and interiors that require high levels of innovation, detail, and quality, and we aim to activate our clients’ lives through attention to imaginative and intelligent solutions geared at their specific requirements from the inception of ideas to made realities.The firm has grown steadily since its inception in 1997 with a focus on building a team of home grown talent. We are an open plan business operating in an open plan office.

Some of Activate Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Activate Architects achieve 21st place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	2

20. MMA Design Studio

MMA Design Studio is a Johannesburg-based award-winning Architecture studio founded by owner and architect Mphethi Morojele as MMA Architects CC in 1995. The studio provides professional services in architecture, urban regeneration, design, research and strategic thinking. Our focus is on the ability of design to respond to and enhance the historical and emerging African condition at all levels of human social, cultural, artistic and economic endeavors.

Through combining practice with teaching and research we aspire to exceed our client’s expectations by providing solutions that not only conform to the brief but can also be measured against the triple bottom line of social, economic and ecological sustainability. Each project goes through a process of cultural, economic and locational diagnostics in order to provide a narrative framework for the organization of the client’s aspirations and programmatic requirements. We believe that through a transparent design process the constraints of time and cost are challenges that can positively influence the design process and design outcomes.

Some of MMA Design Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped MMA Design Studio achieve 20th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	4

19. BasaboseStudio

BasaboseStudio is a creative, cross-disciplinary design firm with global reach offering services in different fields of design. Our studio has offices in Johannesburg and Kinshasa, DR Congo. We create solutions that help each of our clients achieve the materialization of their initial thoughts in a unique collaborative manner. Even though focused on the built environment and livable spaces, each of our projects is executed by pooling any expertise needed from competent sources.

Our holistic and collaborative approach encompasses the disciplines of architecture, interior design, graphic design, industrial design, photography, urbanism and associated fields by collaboration. We engage a diverse range of industry market sectors and project types including residential, corporate, cultural, civic, retail, exhibition, entertainment, healthcare and transportation. We are passionate about creating unique, immersive “solutions” that add value and help our clients achieve their envisioned dreams.

Some of BasaboseStudio’s most prominent projects include:

Chapelle de la Grâce dans la Clairière, Kasangulu, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Villa Rugari, Port-Gentil, Gabon
Libenge Library & Community Center, Libenge, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Place Du 30 Juin, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo
Villa Banalia, Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo

The following statistics helped BasaboseStudio achieve 19th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	10

18. Jenny Mills Architects

Jenny Mills says: “Love for form and composition lies at the very heart of our work. We are artists on a quest to sculpt existing spaces in co-operation with nature. Our buildings are exciting and beautiful. They bring something both of ourselves and our clients into the world. We work in close partnership with our clients, focusing on their needs and stylistic preferences.” Jenny’s work has a strong contemporary signature which is not only evident in her work in this genre but is skillfully integrated into both classic and leisure designs to match her client’s tastes.

Some of Jenny Mills Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Jenny Mills Architects achieve 18th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	3

17. C76 Architecture and Design

Established in 2014 by Principal Architect Carl Jacobsz, the Johannesburg and Cape Town -based C76 Architecture is inspired by expressing sophisticated simplicity, a disciplined yet exciting approach to architecture, which searches creatively for elegance and excellence proven over time –promoting quality and timelessness over trend. We look to explore characteristics such as client lifestyle, context, culture and existing environmental conditions for inspiration, with the aim of producing quality South African architecture.

Having grown up in rural Eastern Free State and graduated from the University of the Free State, Carl Jacobsz was influenced by a grounded; rural architecture of simple design strategies that has shaped his professional practice and production of affordable, sensitive, forward-thinking architecture. These core values are explored through tectonic architecture of humble materials and the exploration of beauty through expressing materiality simply.

C76 is passionate about exploring architectural solutions across all project scales, budgets, typologies and clients. Equally confident in taking on urban, commercial, and residential projects, C76 approaches each design without any preconceptions; utilizing a pragmatic and conscious design methodology of minimalist design and sustainable detailing. C76 believes architecture should be formed specifically for its climatic and cultural context in order to respond astutely to the unique requirements of our client’s brief.

Some of C76 Architecture and Design’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped C76 Architecture and Design achieve 17th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	1

16. FrankiePappas

Imagine we could create a fictional persona – a collective pseudonym – that allowed us to put aside our egotisms, our blusters, our vanities, and find a group of people whose similar ideals and different talents create beautiful solutions for a remarkable new world. That is frankie: wonderfully similar. beautifully different. Making great public buildings that contribute to a great future. We get together the entire professional team required to find beautiful solutions for a remarkable new world.

Some of FrankiePappas’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped FrankiePappas achieve 16th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	2

15. Greg Wright Architects

Our studio is made up of a group of dedicated and passionate individuals working towards the guiding principle of the practice which strives towards the pursuit of excellence both in thought and execution.

Some of Greg Wright Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Greg Wright Architects achieve 15th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	3

14. Metropole Architects

As a practice, we are inspired by the energy of the city, as it unceasingly moves, radiates and evolves like a vast living organism.we aim to generate design that stakes out new territory, and explore ideas that are intuitive, inventive, exuberant and daring. enthused by visionary architects like john lautner and santiago calatrava, we aspire to create iconic and progressive architectural wonders that capture our collective imagination.

Some of Metropole Architects’s most prominent projects include:

House Brook, Nkwazi, South Africa
ALBIZIA HOUSE, Durban, South Africa
Aloe Ridge House, Pennington, South Africa
The Reserve House, Dolphin Coast, South Africa
Salt Rock House, Dolphin Coast, South Africa

The following statistics helped Metropole Architects achieve 14th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	5

13. Vivid Architects

Vivid Architects was founded in 1998 by Paolo Viotti and Trevor Versfeld. Imraan Ho-Yee joined the practice as a partner in 2000. Vivid Architects is an established award-winning medium sized design practice that concentrates predominately on medium to large scale commercial developments both locally and internationally. The practice enjoys a good reputation in designing selected upmarket private residential homes.

Vivid Architects takes great pride in providing an holistic and comprehensive professional service delivering appropriate and cost effective architectural solutions within the strict parameters of client brief, economic realities, programme and budget. Vivid Architects believes firmly in the ethics and importance of a team-based philosophy throughout the design and implementation process and encourages close collaboration of all the disciplines involved.

Some of Vivid Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Bridgewater, Cape Town, South Africa
No.3 Bridgeways, Cape Town, South Africa
Crystal Towers Hotel & Spa, Cape Town, South Africa
Newcastle Mall, Newcastle, South Africa
Citadel Apartments, Cape Town, South Africa

The following statistics helped Vivid Architects achieve 13th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	33

12. Earthworld Architects and Interiors

In the making of meaningful things… with our world becoming more and more global — virtual and less defined, the need for defining the “Heimat” has become greater than ever. Meaning has become more important than ever. Falling Waters by Frank Lloyd Wright, built for the Kauffmann Family in the 20’s of the twentieth century, transcends the physical to become Icons; to become “meaningful things”. It epitomized progress without being Industrial…A symbol of innovation whilst acknowledging the context without trying to imitate or assimilate.

Some of Earthworld Architects and Interiors’s most prominent projects include:

House Mouton, Mamelodi, Pretoria, South Africa
Foghound Interactive Coffee & Showroom, Johannesburg, South Africa
House Izeboud, Pretoria, South Africa
TriBeCa Original Restaurant, Brooklyn, Pretoria, South Africa
House Alto, Tulbagh, South Africa

The following statistics helped Earthworld Architects and Interiors achieve 12th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	8

11. Nicholas Plewman Architects

Nicholas Plewman Architects was founded and is directed by Nick Plewman. He has welded a life time passion for the wilderness to two decades of design and project management experience in remote and sensitive environments. To this have been banded the skills of qualified architects, project and cost managers and technologists.

The practice has completed over 35 projects across Southern and East Africa for both public and private clients and has been published in several books* and magazines such as Architectural Digest and Conde Nast Traveller.

Some of Nicholas Plewman Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Nicholas Plewman Architects achieve 11th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	4

10. Architecture for a Change

We are young designers working with well known architect, Les du Toit. Our passion for architecture and the profession grew from experimental projects we did as students, getting our hands dirty and learning from experience. Our team consists of Anton Bouwer, Dirk Coetser and John Saaiman. Our individual skills and experience creates a formidable team, Dirk’s & Anton’s strengths lie in conceptual phase, design and presentation of projects, whilst John manages the construction and detailing of buildings.

From our lived experiences in the city of Johannesburg — a challenging environment presenting numerous opportunities — we have developed a desire to create change in the built environment.

Some of Architecture for a Change’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Architecture for a Change achieve 10th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	3
Total Projects	3

9. Elphick Proome Architecture

Elphick Proome Architecture was established in 1989 and has grown to become a leading architectural firm in South Africa. Committed to architectural excellence, we strive to create exciting buildings, environments and spaces that respond to the unique nature of each project with integrity and purpose. Our philosophy emphasizes an architecture that responds to context, region and climate and is enduring, innovative and functional. We endeavor to design intelligent solutions which rise to the diverse challenges of our social and economic context and make a significant contribution to the African reality.

Some of Elphick Proome Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

House Mansfield, Westville, South Africa
House F, Pietermaritzburg, South Africa
Durban Christian Centre, Durban, South Africa
Rooiels House, Rooi-Els, Rooi-Els, South Africa
RCL Foods, Westville, South Africa

Top image: Nelson Mandela Cruise Terminal, Durban, South Africa

The following statistics helped Elphick Proome Architecture achieve 9th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	3
Total Projects	13

8. Daffonchio & Associates Architects

Daffonchio and Associates Architects was established in 1996 by Enrico Daffonchio, who has qualified in Italy and registered with the Italian and South African Councils for the architectural profession. The firm has been active in private, commercial and public projects. The design work focuses on energy efficiency and the awareness of the broader effects that building has on the environment: as well as the way in which proportion, light and color affect peoples’ mood. Building materials and structural elements are meant to be shown with integrity as graphic and sculptural patterns.Collaborations and joint ventures with other firms, artists and specialists from various disciplines are built specially around the requirements of each project.

Some of Daffonchio & Associates Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Daffonchio & Associates Architects achieve 8th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	2
Total Projects	2

7. Three14 Architects

Three14 Architects, founded in January 2008, is an award winning studio of creative architects based in Cape Town. The focus on designing exclusive luxury homes for discerning clients — bringing fresh ideas, rigorous detailing and creativity to the residential arena — results in elegant and sophisticated homes that are easy to live in. The office consists of a small, hands-on team taking on a limited number of projects per year. This enables both principal architects to be involved in each project from inception through to completion ensuring an efficient and thorough level of service and a highly considered and always unique end product.

Some of Three14 Architects’s most prominent projects include:

OVD525, Cape Town, South Africa
Glen 2961, Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
Firth 114802, Firth Road, Southern Suburbs, Cape Town, South Africa

The following statistics helped Three14 Architects achieve 7th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	3
Total Projects	3

6. Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers

Meyer & Associates is an integrated, multi-disciplinary practice that incorporates architecture, interior design and urban design competencies into one bespoke spatial design service. The original firm, known as MEYER+VORSTER Architects, Urban Designers and Interior Designers, was founded in 2002. In 2013, the firm was restructured and became known as Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers. It is owned and managed by the founding principal of the practice, Tiaan Meyer. He has over twenty years’ experience in the architectural and urban design industry and is complemented by a staff of twelve, which include several professionally registered architects, technologists and interior designers. Team members have been hand-picked for their specialist skill-sets and design capabilities.

Some of Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers’s most prominent projects include:

Spens Garden Café & Winkel Gift Shop, South Africa
Botha’s Halte Primary School, Cape Winelands, WC, South Africa
Dunoon Primary School, Dunoon, Cape Town, South Africa
Heideveld Primary School, Heideveld, Cape Town, South Africa
Kuyasa Public Transport Interchange, Cape Town, South Africa

The following statistics helped Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers achieve 6th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	2
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	5

5. Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)

VAN DER MERWE MISZEWSKI ARCHITECTS was founded in 1991 by Anya van der Merwe and Macio Miszewski and is located at 161 Longmarket Street, Cape Town in a Grade 1 listed building. VDMMA has completed a wide range of building types, including educational, cultural, commercial, retail, restoration and residential projects (including group housing, apartment buildings and individual residences).

The company has received numerous awards, including SAIA Awards, (South African Institute for Architecture, regional and national), SAPOA Awards (South African Property Owners Association), SAISC Awards (South African Institute of Steel Construction), The Fulton Award, as well as various media awards.

Some of Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)’s most prominent projects include:

Zeitz MOCAA, Cape Town, South Africa
Tree House, Cape Town, South Africa
University of Cape Town: Middle Campus, Cape Town, South Africa
Mountain House, Cape Town, South Africa
De Beers Headquarters, Ormonde, Johannesburg South, South Africa

The following statistics helped Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA) achieve 5th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	11

4. CS Studio

© Design.Develop.Build - GA Tech | PBSA | RWTH

CS Studio Architects has developed a way in which they work which is focused on listening to the clients or end users. This is an interactive and participative process. Each project demands its own activities. Interactive processes are a powerful tool in any design phase as it allows everyone to have a say and often leads to much better spatial solutions. By listening to people, the architect is provided with a wealth of information to feed into the design process. role players are empowered and they take ownership of their design decisions.

However, participation is generally seen only as a social process. This is when it fails. It needs to be underscored by making. We also believe that during the participation process technology can be a valuable tool. It is important to understand what kind of resources are available both material and human. A good understanding of assembly and the active transfer of skills through making therefore becomes an important component of the process. Through research and experience it has proved to lead to more sustainable environments. It allows one to unleash the energy inside people. Spatial planning needs to be done in a way which allows the inhabitants occupying the space to enjoy it and to enhance the quality of life.

Some of CS Studio’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped CS Studio achieve 4th place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	2
A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	1

3. dhk

dhk has established a leading reputation as a design led multi-disciplinary company which incorporates architecture, urban design and interior design. More than 100 people contribute to the success of the company across these three disciplines making dhk one of the largest architectural practices in South Africa. dhk’s integrated approach to design in the built environment, coupled with innovative and cost effective design solutions, has garnered international recognition with projects spanning across four continents.

Some of dhk’s most prominent projects include:

Battery Park, Cape Town, South Africa
32 on Kloof, Cape Town, South Africa
Move Hotel, Mogliano, Italy
Drostdy Hotel, Graaff-Reinet, South Africa
Ellipse Waterfall, GP, South Africa

The following statistics helped dhk achieve 3rd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Finalist	2
Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	25

2. Nico van der Meulen Architects

Nico van der Meulen Architects, headquartered in Johannesburg, focuses on designing innovative, functional luxurious homes, both contemporary and traditional, tailored to enrich their client’s quality of life. The company remains at the forefront of design by exploring new forms, pushing the boundaries and evolving with technology, without compromising on the authenticity of the design, aesthetics, materials and originality.

While creating unique homes for unique tastes, the firm strives to capture every client’s vision and express it through breath-taking bespoke designs. They have designed more than 4000 buildings during the past forty years, many of which received international acclaim, some as far afield as USA, London, Cypress, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Canada, USA, Germany, Gulf of Portugal and many African countries and currently completing a new residence in Australia.

More than 230 buildings designed by Nico van der Meulen and his team of architects have featured in magazines, hardcover books and have also been used on the front cover image for many magazines.

Some of Nico van der Meulen Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Nico van der Meulen Architects achieve 2nd place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

Featured Projects	8
Total Projects	31

1. SAOTA

SAOTA is a firm of architectural designers and technologists including in-house CGI and marketing teams, as well as a strong support staff. It is driven by the dynamic combination of Stefan Antoni, Philip Olmesdahl, Greg Truen, Phillippe Fouché and Mark Bullivant who share a potent vision easily distinguished in their design.

This, paired with both an innovative and dedicated approach to the execution of projects, has seen SAOTA become internationally sought-after, receiving numerous awards and commendations from some of the most respected institutions worldwide. Capitalizing on a unique understanding of an ever-evolving industry, SAOTA continues to build on past experiences and is well positioned to offer expert services to the corporate, institutional, commercial and residential marketplace.

Some of SAOTA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped SAOTA achieve 1st place in the 20 Best Architecture Firms in South Africa:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	22
Total Projects	26

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

With more than 30,000 architecture firms and over 130,000 projects within its database, Architizer is proud to host the world’s largest online community of architects and building product manufacturers. Its celebrated A+Awards program is also the largest celebration of architecture and building products, with more than 400 jurors and hundreds of thousands of public votes helping to recognize the world’s best architecture each year.

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “+” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

The orange Project of the Day and yellow Featured Project badges are awarded by Architizer’s Editorial team, and are selected based on a number of factors. The following factors increase a project’s likelihood of being featured or awarded Project of the Day status:

Project completed within the last 3 years
A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
High quality, in focus photographs
At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
Inclusion of construction photographs

There are 7 Projects of the Day each week and a further 31 Featured Projects. Each Project of the Day is published on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Stories, while each Featured Project is published on Facebook. Each Project of the Day also features in Architizer’s Weekly Projects Newsletter and shared with 170,000 subscribers.

We’re constantly look for the world’s best architects to join our community. If you would like to understand more about this ranking list and learn how your firm can achieve a presence on it, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at editorial@architizer.com.

Reference

Architecture

maayaa retreat in south india reflects tropical modern aesthetic

By Zarkon Group,26/08/2023

MAAYAA tropical retreat draws from Balinese architecture

Architectural studio aslam sham architects constructs MAAYAA, a Balinese-themed getaway nestled within a lush palm plantation. Located just an hour’s drive from Coimbatore, at the border of Tamil Nadu and Kerala, the retreat showcases earthy tones and textures, instilling a sense of calm. The spaces are designed to evoke an eye-soothing serenity, as pathways adorned with verdant foliage exude tranquility and elegance.

Aiming to encapsulate Bali’s essence, MAAYAA’s design forms around tropical modernism. Perched in Anakkatti and embraced by the converging Siruvani and Bhavani Rivers, the building is set atop a cliff with river vistas. The resort’s core design objective is to amplify and preserve the surrounding scenery.

all images by Ishi Sitwala

fluid transition between the built and the land

With most of the construction situated below the entrance level, visitors descend to these spaces, greeted by shallow, expansive water bodies integrated into the roof slabs. This fluid transition through the entrance passage leads to the restaurant, where panoramic views of the river and distant mountains unfold.

The lower floors house banquet halls, conference rooms, and offices, while the lowest level boasts an infinity pool seamlessly blending with the landscape. The design team achieves a harmonious fusion between architecture and nature, creating an environment where boundaries blur between built and natural elements. The resort consists of two types of accommodations; standard rooms with river-view balconies, and independent cottages featuring plunge pools that overlook both the river and the hinterland. These structures follow the natural contours of the land, interconnected by passages and bridges at various levels, conveniently linked to the clubhouse and communal amenities. Drawing from Balinese architecture, the chosen materials and design vocabulary mirror the tropical retreat concept, paying homage to the region’s aesthetic.

the Balinese-themed getaway nestled within a lush palm plantation

MAAYAA’s design forms around the concept of tropical modernism

Reference

Sustainable News

Climate Solutions From the Global South: Why the Future of Architecture Is Regional

By Zarkon Group,19/07/2023

This article was written by Carl Elefante. Architecture 2030’s mission is to rapidly transform the built environment from a major emitter of greenhouse gases to a central source of solutions to the climate crisis. For 20 years, the nonprofit has provided leadership and designed actions toward this shift and a healthy future for all.

A year after the UN climate summit relaunch in Glasgow, many participants departed COP27 in Sharm el Sheikh searching for a silver lining. For some, the bright spot was action taken toward climate justice. Although the 2015 Paris Agreement acknowledged that circumstances in developed and developing nations differ, by establishing the Loss and Damage Fund, COP27 reconfigured the international climate action framework.

The nations primarily responsible for carbon pollution are not the most vulnerable to its life-and-death consequences. Global peace and justice demand that polluting nations (largely in the “Global North”) clean up their mess and help protect others (largely in the “Global South”) from the havoc they are causing.

While nations in the Global South earnestly turn to the Global North for financial support, there is hesitation to look to the Global North for climate solutions. Too many fail to account for regional conditions and cultures.

Sana’a’s foundation dates back over 2,500 years; the city in Yemen is filled with tower-houses built of rammed earth (pisé). | Photo by: Antti Salonen, Old Sana’a, CC BY-SA 3.0

In the building sector, the mismatch between accepted Global North solutions and the needs of the Global South is pronounced. For a century, the Global North has exported its energy-consuming glass towers and concrete roadways regardless of climate zone or social structure. Still-favored Global North models are far from problem-free today, and opportunities for appropriate regional adaptation remain largely unexplored, neglecting knowledge that could benefit both the Global North and South.

For those in “advanced” countries, it can be difficult to appreciate that less-modernized cultures have ideas and know-how that are relevant and valuable today. The oldest cities, like Damascus and Cairo, have been inhabited for at least six thousand years. Until about 1800, with the rapid proliferation of fossil-fuel-driven, resource-hungry, technology-infatuated modern-era development, cities thrived without creating a global climate crisis, ecological collapse or systemic resource exhaustion.

Consider the contrast between preferred modern-era and traditional construction materials. Today, concrete is the dominant construction material in developed countries. Concrete production accounts for eight percent (8%) of annual global greenhouse gas emissions — a number greater than the annual national emissions of Canada, Germany, South Korea and Saudi Arabia combined. Concrete does not decompose and cannot be reshaped or recycled — only down-cycled from a high-value material (structural concrete) to a lower-value material (aggregate).

Nicknamed the Manhattan of the Desert,’ Shibam is a vertical city made of sun-dried mud brick tower houses that dates back to the 16th-century (Yemen). | Photo by Dan from Brussels, Europe, Shibam (2286380141), CC BY-SA 2.0

In contrast, about one-third of the world’s population (mostly in the Global South) lives in buildings constructed with air-dried, clay-based materials like adobe and cob. The clay, sand and straw used to make them are locally sourced and decompose after use. Methods are so basic that many clay-based buildings are constructed by the people who occupy them — no global supply chain required. Incorporating wood-supported floor decks allows multi-story structures like those in the Yemeni cities of Sanaa and Shibam. Faced with lime-plaster stuccos, clay-based buildings are weather tight and durable, their heavy thermal mass beneficial in both hot and cold climates.

Some contemporary architects are taking note. Schools designed by 2022 Pritzker Laureate Diébédo Francis Kéré for his home village of Gando, Burkina Faso, are constructed by villagers from clay brick.

Yet, Kéré’s buildings are unmistakably modern. For the first school, Kéré introduced a non-traditional vaulted ceiling. The building is shaded by an overhanging sheet metal canopy on trusses fabricated from bent steel rods. With louvered wall openings, the canopy and vault produce a passive ventilation system: hot air at the canopy draws cooler air through openings in the ceiling vault and louvered windows below.

Gando Primary School Extension uses vaulted ceilings to increase the school’s thermal comfort by allowing hot air to escape upwards through integrated ventilation gap. |GandoIT, Kéré Primary School Extension Gando, CC BY-SA 3.0

To better engage diverse cultural and heritage perspectives in UN climate and sustainable development activities, a coalition of cultural organizations formed the Climate Heritage Network (CHN) in 2019. CHN was launched following the publication of The Future of Our Pasts: Engaging Climate Heritage in Climate Action. Prepared by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), The Future of Our Pasts provides a detailed roadmap for integrating cultural and heritage considerations into the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Compelling scientific evidence about the risk of climate change was first highlighted by the UN at the Rio Earth Summit in 1992. Carbon polluters in the Global North have not needed better science to act but greater resolve. Their inability to make sufficient progress for more than three decades has changed the international landscape. The Loss and Damage Fund adopted at COP27 acknowledges the responsibility of developed nations to act decisively and rapidly on behalf of all people.

Culture and heritage advocates such as CHN believe it must also begin a period of profound awakening in the Global North. Ideas that brought progress in the modern era have ossified into biases that are inhibiting the fresh thinking necessary to overcome the climate emergency. For those of us in the building sector, words written by Jane Jacobs ring loud and clear: “Cities have the capability of providing something for everybody, only because, and only when, they are created by everybody.” Her wisdom is most urgently needed for global climate solutions.

Carl Elefante, FAIA, FAPT, is a Senior Fellow with Architecture 2030 and Principal Emeritus with Quinn Evans Architects. Known for coining the phrase: “The greenest building is one that is already built,” Elefante writes and lectures nationally on historic preservation and sustainable design topics. Carl serves on the International Steering Committee of the Climate Heritage Network. In 2018, Carl served as the 94th President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is a Fellow of the AIA and the Association for Preservation Technology (APT).

Reference

Architecture

30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea

By Zarkon Group,18/06/2023

South Korea’s architectural language has developed over centuries, undergoing many evolutions and stylistic variations — many influenced by wavering politics. From the Japanese occupation to the devastating Korean War, South Korea’s urban fabric has endured many moments of unrest. The remains from times of political strife now stand alongside the nation’s contemporary architecture.

The nation’s pre-modern architecture is heavily influenced by Buddhism and Chinese design. South Korea’s mountainous landscape is home to traditional sloped-roof dwellings, temples and palaces attributed to past dynasties. Take the Changdeokgung Palace and the Haeinsa Temple, for example. These two relics are among South Korea’s 15 World Heritages Sites.

Alongside the tradition found in South Korean architecture is an astute interest in modern architecture and technology. Following the Korean War, the divide between North and South brought forth independent architectural styles. Once the dust from the wars settled and capital increased, Korean architecture flourished. A new sensibility was found — one that rejects pragmatism and encouraged experimentation and sophistication. South Korean architects began studying abroad and fusing their international perspectives with cultural tradition to breed a distinct Korean spirit. And Seoul, South Korea’s capital, has become an international stage for large-scale and impressive architectural feats.

With so many architecture firms to choose from, it’s challenging for clients to identify the industry leaders that will be an ideal fit for their project needs. Fortunately, Architizer is able to provide guidance on the top design firms in South Korea based on more than a decade of data and industry knowledge.

How are these architecture firms ranked?

The number of A+Awards won (2013 to 2023)
The number of A+Awards finalists (2013 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Project of the Day” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects selected as “Featured Project” (2009 to 2023)
The number of projects uploaded to Architizer (2009 to 2023)

Each of these metrics is explained in more detail at the foot of this article. This ranking list will be updated annually, taking into account new achievements of South Korea architecture firms throughout the year.

Without further ado, here are the 30 best architecture firms in South Korea:

30. UTAA

Managed by principal director Byungyong Choi and principal architect Changgyun Kim, UTAA is a Seoul-based architecture firm that has been practicing since 2009. Their work is rooted in honesty, clarity and experimental organization.

Some of UTAA’s most prominent projects include:

Rest Hole in the University of Seoul, Seoul, South Korea
Black Box, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, South Korea
Boseong House, Boseong-gun, South Korea
Pinocchio, Pocheon-si, South Korea
Cinema House, Paju-si, South Korea

The following statistics helped UTAA achieve 30th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	5

29. Z_Lab

Z_Lab is a design group to create a place and space based communication with region and reflects the individual’s desire and will. We must achieve a balance of individual aspirations and regional universality in terms of the design and local identity. We create a new experience for staying out through space and personalized lifestyle brand.

We would like to contribute to give a new experience for many people beyond the geographic boundaries based on the place and space. So that our results can be created with a private transfer to local and sustainable value for the future to create a positive business model based on the person and region.

Some of Z_Lab ‘s most prominent projects include:

Zer0place, Seosan-si, South Korea
Creativehouse, Seoul, South Korea
Pyeongdae Panorama, Jeju-si, South Korea
Yuwolbyulchae, Jeju-si, South Korea
blindwhales, Jeju-si, South Korea

The following statistics helped Z_Lab achieve 29th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	5

28. ANM

Founded in 2009 by Hee Jun Kim, ANM is a Seoul-based architecture firm that emphasizes diversity and distinction while creating realistic and honest architectural relationships.

Some of ANM’s most prominent projects include:

Monk’s Cabin (Zen Room for a Buddhist Monk), Pyeongchang-gun, South Korea
House in Jeju, Jeju-do, South Korea
D Church, Yeoju-gun, South Korea
Yangpyeong House, Yangpyeong-gun, South Korea
Coffee House_Dong am, Yangpyeong-gun, South Korea

The following statistics helped ANM achieve 28th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	6

27. Oh jongsang

Based in South Korea, Oh jongsang is a architecture firm specializing in religious and residential architecture.

Some of Oh jongsang’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Oh jongsang achieve 27th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	4
Total Projects	10

26. HyunjoonYoo Architects

Founded by Hyunjoon Yoo, HyunjoonYoo Architects is a Seoul-based architecture firm specializing in public and residential architecture of all scales.

Some of HyunjoonYoo Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped HyunjoonYoo Architects achieve 26th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	6

25. DIOINNO ARCHITECTURE PLLC

DIOINNO Architecture PLLC is a Seoul and Buffalo-based firm founded by architects Jin Young Song, AIA.

Some of DIOINNO ARCHITECTURE PLLC’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped DIOINNO ARCHITECTURE PLLC achieve 25th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Winner	1
A+Awards Finalist	2
Featured Projects	1
Total Projects	25

24. D.LIM Architects

D·LIM is an architectural group led by its two principals, Yeonghwan Lim and Sunhyun Kim. The Seoul-based firm was founded in 2007 and specializes in private, public and corporate architecture.

Some of D.LIM Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall, Seoul, South Korea
H&M Seoul Hongdae Store, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Stardom Entertainment Office, Seoul, South Korea
Coconut house, Seongnam-si, South Korea
CJ Nine Bridges “The Forum”, Seogwipo-si, South Korea

The following statistics helped D.LIM Architects achieve 24th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	5

23. YounghanChung Architects

Younghan Chung architects is an architectural studio based in Seoul. The firm seeks for new typology of living in the dense and uniform picture of the city and studies experimental and creative design processes through the relationship of various phenomena of the city.

Some of YounghanChung Architects’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped YounghanChung Architects achieve 23rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	5

22. Architecture Studio YEIN

Based in Gangneung-si, South Korea, Architecture Studio YEIN in a boutique firm specializing in residential architecture. The firm was founded by Yesun Choi in 2003.

Some of Architecture Studio YEIN’s most prominent projects include:

Sushi-Hu, Noam-dong, Gangneung-si, South Korea
BomBom Boutique Hotel, Gangneung-si, South Korea
Haemutje House, South Korea
Dried Persimmon House, Yeondang-gil, Gangneung-si, South Korea
The Pencil, Hongje-dong, Gangneung-si, South Korea

The following statistics helped Architecture Studio YEIN achieve 22nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	14

21. Lee Eunseok+KOMA

Atelier KOMA is an architecture practice in Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The firm was founded by Lee Eun Seok and specializes in residential, commercial, cultural and religious architecture.

Some of Lee Eunseok+KOMA’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped Lee Eunseok+KOMA achieve 21st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	4

20. WISE Architecture

WISE Architecture was established in 2008 by Young Jang and Sook Hee Chun. The specializes in small but meaningful projects that focus on the materiality of everydayness in Seoul.

Some of WISE Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

BOX MOBILE GALLERY, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
ABC Building, Seoul, South Korea
Dialogue in the Dark Bukchon, Seoul, South Korea
Red Mirror Strips, Seoul, South Korea
Mu;M Building, Korea

The following statistics helped WISE Architecture achieve 20th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	6

19. JMY architects

‘Architecturing’ has two main meanings. First, it refers to the basic posture and method of constructing in a present progressive sense rather than the resultant object of an architecture. Second, it also describes the object of design as ‘a work of organizing a space’ rather than the external form. There is no end if architecture is confronted with difficulty.

Occasionally, the numerous theories and results of architectures and cities deceive our mind and disturb the liberal thoughts of our brain. Since our knowledge and experiences are limited, an attitude of learning something new and emptying our mind everyday is required. Pure intellectual curiosity, positive thinking, and attitude that can stand up to the challenges we face will broaden our knowledge and deepen our thought. It is architecturing of JMY architects to enjoy learning and doing so.

Some of JMY architects’s most prominent projects include:

Woljam-Ri House, South Korea
[5X17] Daecheong-dong Small House, Busan, South Korea
[Sky ground] Sinsa-dong Office Complex, Seoul, South Korea
[Cheonggye-ri House] Where mountains, lakes and sky meet, apparatus at the boundary and gap, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
[EARNEST CAPE] The Hill where the sky and the sea take a break, Ulsan, South Korea

The following statistics helped JMY architects achieve 19th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	5
Total Projects	7

18. ON Architecture INC.

Based in Ulsan, ON Architecture INC. is an architecture firm that explores the function of architecture within the social and cultural phonema.

Some of ON Architecture INC.’s most prominent projects include:

Y-HOUSE, Ulsan, South Korea
Tower House, Gimhae-si, South Korea
Min Hwi Jeong, Ulsan, South Korea
Project Floor Area Ratio Game, Ulsan, South Korea
Double house, Ulsan, South Korea

The following statistics helped ON Architecture INC. achieve 18th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	5

17. aoa architects

Architecture is nothing. However, architecture is more significant than any others like air in our life. Architecture is not a hero. Architecture is just a stage of our living. We do not want architecture to say a lot of showing language to come forward from the surroundings. As people live healthier within clean air, we want architecture to be a clean, pure and honest artifact that holds human life silently. We do not believe architecture will change the world and we do not work in order to change the world through architecture. For now, we, aoa architects, are about to construct the architecture with architecture itself without a metadiscourse beyond architecture.

Some of aoa architects’s most prominent projects include:

ㄷHouse (digeut-jip), Eumseong-gun, South Korea
Chubby Cat House, Seoul, South Korea
villa mangwon – stacked house, Mapo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Malefemale House, Seoul, South Korea
villa Jeju, Seogwipo-si, South Korea

The following statistics helped aoa architects achieve 17th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	6

16. Archium

Archium Architects has been practicing architecture in the Seoul region since 1986. The firm specializes in commercial, residential and cultural design.

Some of Archium’s most prominent projects include:

Persona, Seoul, South Korea
Bauzium Sculpture Gallery, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Gilmosery, Seoul, South Korea
Khmeresque, Battambang, Cambodia
Himalesque, Jomsom, Nepal

The following statistics helped Archium achieve 16th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	7

15. HAEAHN Architecture

HAEAHN Architecture has been continuously striving to design valuable urban environmental projects based on creativity and innovation since its establishment in 1990. HAEAHN has been in alliance with H Architecture, New York, USA since 2011 and established several overseas offices which have greatly contributed to its extensive growth in becoming a world standard architectural design firm.

Some of HAEAHN Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped HAEAHN Architecture achieve 15th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	23

14. ArchiWorkshop

We are Architects, who think, create, enjoy and share everyday Architecture. The title ‘ArchiWorkshop’ has two meanings. One is ‘workshop of artisans’, and the other is the meaning of ‘attacking and defending to each other through discussion’. From a result perspective of view, architecture is a visual work. But at the same time, its origin accompanies philosophy and rational thinking. For that reason, we discuss and converse as much as sketching and this approach allows us for more influential operations and results. We, ArchiWorkshop, think, create, enjoy and share everyday architecture. Our ‘Everyday architecture’ has meaning of high level of architecture, namely, architecture with healthy environment and expansion of this architecture culture to more people to share.

Some of ArchiWorkshop’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped ArchiWorkshop achieve 14th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	11

13. SsD

SsD is an architecture firm that approaches design as a convergent, interdisciplinary venture. Minimum form takes maximum effect with the goal to bridge the utopian and the pragmatic. Instead of separating aspects of architecture, landscape, history, social systems, and codes into their constituent disciplines, these agendas are simultaneously explored so that each discipline symbiotically gains from the other. In this way sustainability emerges as an integrated rather than additive result.

Some of SsD’s most prominent projects include:

Simgok, Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, South Korea
Songpa Micro-Housing, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Oasis Place
Big Dig House, Lexington, MA, United States
Braver House, Newton, MA, United States

The following statistics helped SsD achieve 13th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Finalist	3
Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	10

12. Yong Ju Lee Architecture

Yong Ju Lee, AIA is the principal of Seoul-based Yong Ju Lee Architecture. He has been working for stimulating design for everyday life in multiple scales and media.

Some of Yong Ju Lee Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

Myeonmok Fire Station, Seoul, South Korea
Root Bench, Seoul, South Korea
Hoehyeon Community, Seoul, South Korea
Dispersion, Suwon, South Korea
Wing Tower, Seoul, South Korea

The following statistics helped Yong Ju Lee Architecture achieve 12th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	8
Total Projects	9

11. OBBA

Office for Beyond Boundaries Architecture (OBBA) was founded in 2012 by Sojung Lee and Sangjun Kwak to look at various issues that arise in the rapidly changing contemporary society and the gaps between them from an integrated perspective rather than an individual perception and to pursue multiple options and mixed solutions. All projects undertaken by OBBA start with a critical view of people, architecture, and all the everyday things that interact with them. This means starting by addressing real-world problems that we are facing, rather than simply pursuing a utopian ideal.

OBBA is interested in the boundaries of each field and the boundaries between them, noticing new relationships that are not yet realized, developing expertise in various fields, speaking languages, and being a Boundary Crosser, freely crossing the boundaries of each field and trying to break away from conventional thinking. In addition, OBBA does not limit itself to one field, architecture, but crosses a wide range of scales and explores various topics to discover new possibilities.

Some of OBBA’s most prominent projects include:

The Vault House, Hadong-gun, South Korea
Beyond the Screen, Seoul, Korea, Republic of
The Floating Island, Bruges, Belgium
The Oasis, Yongin-si, South Korea
The Illusion, Seoul, South Korea

The following statistics helped OBBA achieve 11th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	8
Total Projects	7

10. L’EAU design Co.,Ltd.

L’EAU Design is a group seeking after such environment as falling under comprehensive sense and attempt the relationship with architectural design. ‘Environment’ includes meanings of social and cultural conditions that influence in human lifestyle as well as ecological and build environment.

L’EAU Design, since its establishment in 2000, has been pursuing a total design focused on architecture and urbanism, renovation and interior design, enviroment design in order to architecturally design diverse concerns amid the better ‘human environment’, which is based on our research about social and cultural background of human.

Some of L’EAU design Co.,Ltd.’s most prominent projects include:

Matryoshka, South Korea
Tropism of wild flower, Seoul, South Korea
Song-chu Bending Band, Yangju-si, South Korea
Jeju BAYHILL POOL & VILLA _ EGOISTIC CROPPING, Yeraehaean-ro, Seogwipo-si, South Korea
Cosmos Intime, Gwangju, South Korea

The following statistics helped L’EAU design Co.,Ltd. achieve 10th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	9
Total Projects	22

9. stpmj

stpmj is an award winning design practice based in new york and seoul. The office is founded by seung teak lee and mi jung lim with the agenda, “provocative realism”. It is a series of synergetic explorations that occur on the boundary between the ideal and the real. it is based on simplicity of form and detail, clarity of structure, excellence in environmental function, use of new materials, and rational management of budget. To these we add ideas generated from curiosity in everyday life as we pursue a methodology for dramatically exploiting the limitations of reality. From new perspectives, our work is nuanced yet bold and represents a reaction against architectural clichés.

Some of stpmj’s most prominent projects include:

Invisible Barn, Truckee, CA, United States
Shear House, Yecheon-gun, South Korea
Stratum House, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
The Surface, Gwacheon-si, South Korea
Dissolving Arch, Jeju-do, South Korea

The following statistics helped stpmj achieve 9th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	10
Total Projects	10

8. JOHO Architecture

JOHO Architecture is a Seoul-based architecture firm ran by principal Jeong Hoon Lee. Interpreting architecture as a part of the humanities, JOHO Architectrue bases their philosophy on creating new identity and discourse in contemporary cities. In addition, architectural materials are set as a unit of ‘geo-metry’ and designs are developed through the grouping, addition and subtraction of these units. This ‘material_metry’ refers to the reinterpretation of a material’s meaning within the context of a site.

Some of JOHO Architecture’s most prominent projects include:

Namhae Cheo-ma House
The Curving House, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Casa Geometrica, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Time Stacking House, Seoul, South Korea
Platform-L Contemporary Art Center, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

The following statistics helped JOHO Architecture achieve 8th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	9
Total Projects	12

7. BCHO Architects Associates

Founded in Seoul, Korea in 1994, BCHO Architects started as a design build office with a focus on simple structures and strong regard for nature. Since 1998 the practice focus is architecture and furniture, however we work very closely with contractors and multiple fabrication specialists in various disciplines; including stone masons, product designers, wood workers, potters, lighting engineers, furniture and graphic designers and artists. We also have multiple professional collaborators in Montana, Massachussetts, California, Hawaii and Peru. BCHO Architects believe that buildings, furniture and art are made, not created. Each architectural project, encompassing various scales and programs, explores the phenomenon of light and space, fabrication and construction methods , recycling and reusing, and a broad sense of sustainability (social/cultural/physical) which uses our collective creative energy to reduce our buildings demand for grid energy.

Some of BCHO Architects Associates’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped BCHO Architects Associates achieve 7th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Finalist	1
Featured Projects	10
Total Projects	11

6. Suh Architects

With every project, Suh Architects is defined by the marriage of function and verve. It does not adhere to a predetermined style, and expects its architecture to outlast current trends. Buildings must not only make sense spatially and in an intangible way, but also keep the rain out, heat in, and stay within budget. The firm is well-aware that this sort of harmony is only made possible by maintaining consistent standards and fully understanding its clients’ needs.

Its founder, Eulho Suh, is directly involved in the design and execution of each project from its initial conception, through planning, construction, and completion. With every project, spatial clarity and human scale are foremost; subsequent details are held to the highest standard of execution.

Some of Suh Architects’s most prominent projects include:

HYUNDAI SONGPA, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
JEONBUK HYUNDAI MOTORS FC CLUBHOUSE, Bongdong-eup, Wanju-gun, South Korea
GENESIS SUJI, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, South Korea
GENESIS STUDIO, Hanam-si, South Korea
HYUNDAI MOTORSTUDIO, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

The following statistics helped Suh Architects achieve 6th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Winner	4
A+Awards Finalist	3
Featured Projects	6
Total Projects	8

5. UNITEDLAB Associates

Founded in 2015 by Sang Dae Lee, UNITEDLAB (UL) is multi-disciplinary design studio providing a comprehensive suite of architecture, landscape, and urbanism services. UL has locations in New York City and Seoul. Our multi-disciplined approach reflects our belief that diverse perspectives enable a broader view that guides the design process and enriches creative insight. UL is passionate about understanding how the rich interplay of society and ideology has shaped the built environment, and in turn, how the shaped environment affects its inhabitants. We call it SCAPE.

SCAPE views the interactions between social landscapes and urban patterns as a living system that is comprised of the built environment and people. Beyond a careful observation of the physical domain, factors such as societal influences, ideologies, economics, and metaphysical idiosyncrasies inform our design work and research. Additionally, UL analyzes, researches, designs, and envisions scenarios for future cities. By bridging the boundaries between theory and practice, UL is challenging the notion of traditional typologies.

Some of UNITEDLAB Associates’s most prominent projects include:

The following statistics helped UNITEDLAB Associates achieve 5th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Winner	5
A+Awards Finalist	2
Featured Projects	7
Total Projects	4

4. Mass Studies

Photography (C) Yong-Kwan Kim - © Mass Studies

Mass Studies was founded in 2003 by Minsuk Cho in Seoul, Korea, as a critical investigation of architecture in the context of mass production, intensely over-populated urban conditions, and other emergent cultural niches that define contemporary society. Amid the many frictions defining spatial conditions in the twenty-first century, namely past vs. future, local vs. global, utopia vs. reality, and individual vs. collective, Mass Studies focuses on the operative complexity of these multiple conditions instead of striving for a singular, unified perspective. For each architectural project, which exist across a wide range of scales, Mass Studies explores issues such as spatial systems/matrixes, building materials/techniques, and typological divergences to foster a vision that allows the discovery of new socio/cultural potential.

Some of Mass Studies’s most prominent projects include:

Daum Space.1
Southcape Owner’s Club – Clubhouse, Yeosu, South Korea
Bundle Matrix: S-Trenue, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Missing Matrix Building: Boutique Monaco, Seocho-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Ann Demeulemeester Shop, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea

The following statistics helped Mass Studies achieve 4th place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

A+Awards Winner	1
Featured Projects	9
Total Projects	9

3. Moon Hoon

Moon Hoon is a Korean architect based in Seoul. Moon Hoon is known for his playful and artistic architecture that often experiments with color and geometry.

Some of Moon Hoon’s most prominent projects include:

Two Moon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Vi-sang House, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Busan Times, Busan, South Korea
Simple House, Jeju-si, South Korea
Wind House, Jeju-si, South Korea

The following statistics helped Moon Hoon achieve 3rd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	16
Total Projects	12

2. IROJE KHM Architects

IROJE KHM Architects is an award-winning architect’s office in Seoul, Korea. Kim Hyo Man, the principal of IROJE KHM Architects is architect, concurrent professor of graduate school of architecture and editorial adviser of an architectural magazine.

Some of IROJE KHM Architects’s most prominent projects include:

Ga On Jai, Kwangmyŏng, South Korea
HWA HUN, South Korea
Kyeong Dok Jai, Goyang-si, South Korea
Tetris Nursery, Dobong-gu, Seoul, South Korea
STELLA FIORE, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang-si, South Korea

Top image: Flying House by IROJE KHM Architects, Incheon, South Korea

The following statistics helped IROJE KHM Architects achieve 2nd place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	16
Total Projects	20

1. Studio Gaon

studio_GAON is a Seoul-based architecture practice founded by architects Lim Hyoungnam + Roh Eunjoo Architect. The firm specializes in residential, cultural and commercial design.

Some of Studio Gaon’s most prominent projects include:

Jetavana Buddhist Temple, Nam-myeon, Chuncheon-si, South Korea
Casa Gaia, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, South Korea
House of January, House on the Demarcation, Deokjin-gu, Jeonju-si, South Korea
House of San-jo, Buk-gu, Gwangju, South Korea
Lucia’s earth, Kongju, Korea, Republic of

The following statistics helped Studio Gaon achieve 1st place in the 30 Best Architecture Firms in South Korea:

Featured Projects	28
Total Projects	41

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

Architizer also powers firm directories for a number of AIA (American Institute of Architects) Chapters nationwide, including the official directory of architecture firms for AIA New York.

An example of a project page on Architizer with Project Award Badges highlighted

A Guide to Project Awards

The blue “”+”” badge denotes that a project has won a prestigious A+Award as described above. Hovering over the badge reveals details of the award, including award category, year, and whether the project won the jury or popular choice award.

Project completed within the last 3 years
A well written, concise project description of at least 3 paragraphs
Architectural design with a high level of both functional and aesthetic value
High quality, in focus photographs
At least 8 photographs of both the interior and exterior of the building
Inclusion of architectural drawings and renderings
Inclusion of construction photographs

Reference

Architecture

Dezeen Debate features “beautifully executed” brick cafe in South Korea

By Zarkon Group,25/05/2023

The latest edition of our Dezeen Debate newsletter features a red brick cafe in South Korea by Seoul studio Sukchulmok. Subscribe to Dezeen Debate now.

Seoul studio Sukchulmok has designed a red brick cafe in South Korea inspired by European public squares.

The building, named Parocindo Bakery Cafe, features lively curved shapes and rounded walls. For its interior, the studio used small tiles made from travertine limestone.

Commenters dissected the project. One loved the project and thought it was “beautifully executed”, whereas another described it as “odd” and “strange”.

Venice Architecture Biennale pavilions — Venice Architecture Biennale “does not show any architecture” says Patrik Schumacher

Other stories in this week’s newsletter that fired up the comments section included an opinion piece by Patrik Schumacher on the “lack of architecture” at the Venice Architecture Biennale, four inflatable structures by Steve Messam at Clerkenwell Design Week and BIG being named as the masterplanner of Neom’s octagonal port city.

Dezeen Debate

Dezeen Debate is sent every Thursday and features a selection of the best reader comments and most talked-about stories. Read the latest edition of Dezeen Debate or subscribe here.

You can also subscribe to our other newsletters; Dezeen Agenda is sent every Tuesday containing a selection of the most important news highlights from the week, Dezeen Daily is our daily bulletin that contains every story published in the preceding 24 hours and Dezeen In Depth is sent on the last Friday of every month and delves deeper into the major stories shaping architecture and design.

Reference

Architecture

arches, curves and rounded edges contour cafe in south korea

By Zarkon Group,19/04/2023

red bricks shape out a modern bakery cafe by sukchulmok

Design practice sukchulmok constructs ‘parconido’ bakery cafe in northern Gyeonggi-do, South Korea, utilizing subtle contemporary materials and shaping simple rounded forms. The cafe presents a consistent space in which forms, furniture, and lighting are designed to create a unified atmosphere. The project draws from ‘European’ architectural elements applying red brick in combination with stainless steel.

The structure develops in layers ‘stuck one by one’ with columns that surge everywhere and rounded walls wrapping the open layout. Although the walls and columns compose different shapes, they all present a radius of 600 mm. Following this design rule that acts as a reference point throughout the construction, the project generates a sense of unity while still avoiding monotony. The contemporary café is built out of stacked clay bricks with no holes, that are cut off by two-thirds of the thickness and form a coating skin on an iron frame to relieve the load.

all images by hong seokgyu

smooth edges and round shapes generate a sense of expansion

The furniture, manufactured in perfect circles, is appropriately blended into the space in various forms, such as concrete castings, combined wooden textures, and overlapping circular pipes. The fittings highlight the round spaces while travertine limestone, usually suitable for the fountains in squares of Europe, is designed to cover the floor, walls, and ceiling of the rooms. The angles in the indoor space are smoothed out in round shapes blurring the boundaries of each zone and generating an illusion of expansion and weightlessness.

The mixture of the three main materials, red brick, travertine, and wood, adorns the interior space in warm tones. All fittings and fixtures are custom-made and produced to fit the unique rounded design of the café.

stacked clay bricks are cut off by two-thirds of the thickness forming a coating skin on the iron frame

an elongated form of stainless steel shapes up an outdoor table

on the third floor, a terrace can be seen following the extended passageway

a sense of expansion and uniformity is adjusted both vertically and horizontally through curved forms

Reference

Architecture

resort’s caves and arches frame the views of chinese south coast

By Zarkon Group,13/04/2023

Miyue · Blue & White Cliffside Resort by GS Design

GS Design realizes the ‘Miyue · Blue & White Cliffside Resort‘ on the south coast of China, redefining the concept of ‘elegant vacation’ and focusing on ‘spatial experience’. Located amidst mountainous views in Shenzhen, the hotel incorporates a predominantly white color palette throughout, creating an aesthetic clarity that complements the expanses of blue sea and sky surrounding the structure. The architectural practice composes a series of elegantly minimalist spaces in a warm, uncluttered style, and with subtle materials that reflect the natural environment. The accommodation unit arranges 25 rooms with a unique interior design and character. The core element of each room is the formation of various caves, baths, and arches which provide framed views of the landscape.

all images by GS Design

a sensory experience of urban vacation

Architectural practice GS Design focuses on the ‘spatial experience’ of the composed resort exploring the architectural potential in color, light, and texture forming a ‘pioneering model of urban vacation’. Redefining the term ‘elegant vacation’, the design integrates the building with the surrounding environment ‘unlocking the relationship between physical space and perceptual experience behavior’. The material selection of the public zones applies natural bamboo and wood allowing the natural landscape to become part of the interior. Pure white sets as the main tone of the entire building contrasting the framed blue sea and sky.

The rugged cave baths ensure direct contact with the outdoor area securing privacy and transparency. The terrace bubble pool reflects the ever-changing shadowplay during the day. Through the visual, tactile, and auditory sensory experience and the design team’s constant and progressive exploration to connect daily life and leisure, the hotel shapes a contemporary urban vacation retreat.

the hotel incorporates a predominantly white color palette throughout the structure

formed arches provide framed views of the landscape

each room enjoys unique outlooks of the mountainous scenery

white hues and subtle materials complement the framed expanses of blue sea and sky

Reference

Architecture

HAPA Architects clads South Downs eco-home in charred timber

By Zarkon Group,09/09/2022

Local practice HAPA Architects has used charred timber planks to clad this eco-home in Sussex, England, which features large picture windows framing views of the South Downs National Park.

Located at the end of a country lane in a conservation area, Black Timber House has been designed using materials that will cause the building to weather over time.

Black two-storey timber house with brown door by HAPA Architects — HAPA Architects intends for Black Timber House to weather over time

“The material palette has been carefully curated to patinate and weather into its surroundings, using deep-grain charred English larch, complimented with natural copper guttering and dark slate roofs to create a particularly impressive aesthetic,” said the practice.

The form of the home comprises a rectilinear base topped with a gabled upper storey, with the two intersecting and slightly offset to create a projecting overhang that shelters the entrance.

Black timber-clad exterior of house by HAPA Architects — The two-storey charred timber home has a gabled roof

The ground floor contains a large living, kitchen and dining area around a wood-burning stove, with sliding doors that open onto a covered terrace, alongside a study and utility space.

A wooden staircase leads up to the first floor, illuminated by a long, wrap-over window cut out of the gabled roof that frames the landscape and sky.

Bedroom with hanging light shade and folding internal blinds — One bedroom features folding internal shutters

Above, the en-suite main bedroom occupies the northern end of the home, with a smaller bedroom tucked alongside.

Two further bedrooms can be found at the southern end, one of which features a thin, full-height window with bespoke internal shutters.

“At ground floor, the plan is a simple box containing the heart of the home…accessed from a generous entrance hallway providing a grand opening to the rear landscape,” said the practice.

“The vaulted ceilings in the bedrooms create impressive double-height spaces, and a wrap-over window over the staircase adds some fantastic natural light and drama as the occupants climb up towards the canopy space,” it continued.

Black Timber House by HAPA Architects — Windows overlook the South Downs National Park

The black, charred timber of the exterior was achieved using the traditional Yakisugi charring method to improve its resistance to moisture and pests, and the thin planks have been laid horizontally on the ground floor form and vertically above.

The dark exterior is contrasted by pale wooden window reveals and open, light interiors, with the first floor benefitting from high ceilings beneath its gabled roof, finished in pale plaster.

Bright kitchen in South Downs with green table and blue sofa — The open kitchen, living, and dining area on the ground floor opens onto a covered terrace

Where possible, natural and surplus products have been used for fittings and carpentry, with surplus oak flooring used to create kitchen cupboards and drawers around a central zinc-topped counter.

The home was designed to achieve a high thermal and energy efficiency standard, generating its own power using photovoltaic panels and using an air source heat pump.

Elsewhere in the South Downs, UK studio Sandy Rendel Architects recently converted a barrel-vaulted steel barn into a home, with finishes that celebrate its agricultural character and aesthetic.

The photography is by Jim Stephenson.

Reference

Sustainable News

Global innovation spotlight: South Korea

By Zarkon Group,18/04/2022

Global innovation spotlight: South Korea

Global Innovation Spotlight

South Korea Innovation Facts

Global Innovation Index ranking: 5th

Climate targets: reduce emissions by 40 per cent below 2018 levels by 2030, carbon neutral by 2050.

Sustainability issues:

Air quality – Air pollution is a significant issue in South Korea. In one survey by the Ministry of Environment, 97 per cent people of people said that air pollution was causing them physical or psychological pain. Some of this pollution is home grown, but experts estimate that around 60 per cent of South Korea’s air pollution is blown into the country from China.

Coal power – South Korea’s continued reliance on coal power contributes to the country’s homegrown air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Coal accounts for nearly 30 per cent of South Korea’s total primary energy supply, and nearly 45 per cent of the country’s electricity supply is generated from coal

Water management – South Korea suffers from both high population density and water scarcity – which is exacerbated by pollution from livestock and storm water run-off. Moreover, the country faces a higher risk of flooding than other developed countries. As a result, the country faces significant water-related risks, which makes water management a critical issue.

Sector specialisms:

Transportation
Health
Social and leisure

Source: Startupblink

Three Exciting Innovations From South Korea

AI device translates images and webpages into Braille — Photo source Dot

AN AI-POWERED DEVICE TRANSLATES IMAGES AND WEBPAGES INTO BRAILLE

With only around three per cent of the world’s accessible texts available in Braille, people living with sight impairments have an extremely limited library from which to choose. Set to transform this situation is South Korean assistive device company Dot. With its new artificial intelligence (AI) powered software, the company is making more content—including images—available to Braille readers. Read more.

Partnership creates sustainable plastic recycling eco-system — Photo source Innerbottle

A PARTNERSHIP CREATES A SUSTAINABLE PLASTIC RECYCLING ECO-SYSTEM

LG Chem, the chemical unit of South Korea’s LG Group, has joined forces with a local reusable plastic bottle manufacturer and a leading logistics company to establish a more efficient and sustainable recycling system for plastic cosmetic containers. The move comes as part of the company’s wider efforts to tackle the global issue of plastic waste. Startup InnerBottle produces reusable plastic bottles with a replaceable elastic silicon inner layer, while CJ Logistics collects used bottles from customers. LG Chem itself sources materials for the production of the reusable bottles. Read more.

Sustainable flour alternative from barley — Photo source Olga Kudriavtseva on Unsplash

UPCYCLING BARLEY BYPRODUCTS INTO HIGH-PROTEIN FLOUR

Seoul-based food upcycling startup RE:Harvest has created a new flour alternative made from upcycled barley from the production of beer and sikhye – a traditional sweet Korean beverage. The powder is not only more sustainable than traditional flour – it also has a higher protein content. As society moves towards plant-based diets, protein-rich nutritious flours could be an important part of the solution to feeding the world sustainably. Read more.

Words: Matthew Hempstead

To keep up with the latest innovations in sustainable investment and beyond, sign up to our free newsletters or email info@springwise.com to get in touch.

14th April 2022

Reference

South

How are these architecture firms ranked?

24. Kritzinger Architects

23. Ruben Reddy Architects PTY LTD

22. Thomas Gouws Architects

21. Activate Architects

20. MMA Design Studio

19. BasaboseStudio

18. Jenny Mills Architects

17. C76 Architecture and Design

16. FrankiePappas

15. Greg Wright Architects

14. Metropole Architects

13. Vivid Architects

12. Earthworld Architects and Interiors

11. Nicholas Plewman Architects

10. Architecture for a Change

9. Elphick Proome Architecture

8. Daffonchio & Associates Architects

7. Three14 Architects

6. Meyer & Associates Architects, Urban Designers

5. Van der Merwe Miszewski Architects (VDMMA)

4. CS Studio

3. dhk

2. Nico van der Meulen Architects

1. SAOTA

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

A Guide to Project Awards

MAAYAA tropical retreat draws from Balinese architecture

fluid transition between the built and the land

How are these architecture firms ranked?

30. UTAA

29. Z_Lab

28. ANM

27. Oh jongsang

26. HyunjoonYoo Architects

25. DIOINNO ARCHITECTURE PLLC

24. D.LIM Architects

23. YounghanChung Architects

22. Architecture Studio YEIN

21. Lee Eunseok+KOMA

20. WISE Architecture

19. JMY architects

18. ON Architecture INC.

17. aoa architects

16. Archium

15. HAEAHN Architecture

14. ArchiWorkshop

13. SsD

12. Yong Ju Lee Architecture

11. OBBA

10. L’EAU design Co.,Ltd.

9. stpmj

8. JOHO Architecture

7. BCHO Architects Associates

6. Suh Architects

5. UNITEDLAB Associates

4. Mass Studies

3. Moon Hoon

2. IROJE KHM Architects

1. Studio Gaon

Why Should I Trust Architizer’s Ranking?

A Guide to Project Awards

red bricks shape out a modern bakery cafe by sukchulmok

smooth edges and round shapes generate a sense of expansion

Miyue · Blue & White Cliffside Resort by GS Design

a sensory experience of urban vacation

Global innovation spotlight: South Korea

South Korea Innovation Facts

Three Exciting Innovations From South Korea

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