K-Project

Future flexibility was a key element of the brief for this 105m high, 218,000m2 office building in the Seongsu district of Seoul. With its position in the heart of a developing technology district, the K-Project development aspired to maximise adaptability to accommodate the diverse and changing range of activities, staff, and visitors over the years.

Our concept revolved around ‘hardware’ and ‘software’ layers, reflecting the fixed and changeable elements of the structure. The hardware consists of five large, open plan reinforced concrete floors served by eight cylindrical cores that do the main load-carrying for the building, as well as accommodating services and enabling circulation.

A flexible floor system – the software – is incorporated between the main slabs, typically forming two mezzanine floor levels between each principal structural level. It is a lightweight steel structure, designed for disassembly, and employs standardised grids and small structural elements in a ‘kit of parts’ throughout, allowing workspaces to be reconfigured for growth and adaptation over time.

An 8,000m2 multi-purpose modular arena was incorporated in the atrium across the lower levels (the ‘heart’ of the building) to host public events, including E-sports competitions and gaming events. Using our ‘loose fit, long life’ solution and working closely with the project team we eliminated the requirement for large-scale transfer structures. The need to resist seismic accelerations and high typhoon loading resulted in the design of a robust and clear structure.

External terracing, central courtyard and public and recreational spaces at roof level are included to encourage social interaction and public openness in what is an eclectic local neighbourhood.