Samsung C&T Corporation (028260.KS), its construction division, announced Wednesday that it has partnered with world-renowned Polish-born architect Daniel Libeskind to pursue the Daechi Ssangyong 1st apartment reconstruction project. The company expressed its ambition to create a signature complex representing the area through top-tier design that maximizes the complex's future value.
The Daechi Ssangyong 1st reconstruction project will transform a 15-story, five-building, 630-unit complex located in the 66th block of Daechi-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, into a development of up to 49 stories with six buildings and 999 units. The project has drawn attention as the first to signal the start of reconstruction projects across the Daechi-dong area. Samsung C&T submitted a sole bid for the project and was selected as the preferred negotiation partner on April 24. A general assembly on June 11 will make the final decision on awarding construction rights.
Samsung C&T plans to deliver premium residential innovation to Daechi Ssangyong 1st through differentiated design featuring a distinctive exterior and premium landscaping. To propose the best possible design, the company partnered with Libeskind, a master of "deconstructivist" architecture known for emphasizing asymmetry and dynamism in buildings. Libeskind has designed landmarks including the One World Trade Center in New York and the Jewish Museum in Berlin.
Samsung C&T also unveiled building facade designs and an art lounge concept rendering on the day. The building exterior features a vertical silhouette layered with dynamic curving patterns that appear to rotate and ascend, creating a multifaceted facade that changes depending on the viewing angle. The viewing art lounge "Spiral Shell," connected to the Yangjae Stream waterfront park, was designed as a symbolic objet for the complex, making the entire development appear as one grand work of art.
Through an alternative design plan, Samsung C&T ensured that all 690 union members will have views of natural surroundings including Yangjae Stream, Tan Stream and Daemo Mountain. The company also secured a central plaza of approximately 15,000 square meters to maximize residential comfort. Community space of approximately 13.2 square meters per household was secured, achieving the highest level in the Gangnam area. In-unit ceiling heights were planned at 2.82 meters to maximize openness. In addition, a three-story sky community and private resident-only community spaces in the basement of each building are also planned.
The proposed complex name is "Raemian Rene Art Daechi," combining the French word "Rene" meaning revival and rebirth with "Art." The name signifies the new face of Daechi and a noble artistic complex, the company explained. "We will transform Daechi Ssangyong 1st into the leading residential complex in the Gangnam area through differentiated proposals that surpass all existing residential standards," said Lim Cheol-jin, head of the housing sales division. "We will create a premium complex that leads a new residential paradigm for apartments in Korea."