Hanwha Life Building Remodelling by UNStudio

Remodelling of a building in Seoul, South Korea by architectural design firm, United Network Studio. 

UNStudio’s renovation and remodelling of the facade replaces the existing façade containing horizontal bands of opaque panelling and single layers of dark glass with clear insulated glass and aluminium framing to accentuate views and daylight. The geometry of the framing is further defined by the sun and orientation factors to ensure user comfort inside and reduced energy consumption.By varying the placement of the facade panels a variety of programme-related openings are created. The North facade opens to enable day lighting within the building but becomes more opaque on the South façade, where the sun would otherwise have too much impact on the heat load of the building. Openings within the facade are further related to the views: opening up where views are possible but becoming more compact on the side adjacent to the nearby buildings. Direct solar impact on the building is reduced by shading which is provided by angling the glazing away from direct sunlight, while the upper portion of the South facade is angled to receive direct sunlight. PV cells are placed on the opaque panels on the South / Southeast facade at the open zones where there is an optimal amount of direct sunlight. Furthermore, PV panels are angled in the areas of the facade where energy from the sun can best be harvested.