Residential

Extending Memories: Mangmi Farm by Todot Architects and Partners

The Mangmi Farm in South Korea is an extension of its surrounding

September 5, 2023

Shan Arcega

In architecture, the site itself is the most important thing to consider. Not just as the foundation and in terms of logistics, but as the root of what the structure itself would be an extension of. By mirroring the setup, the structure can be the time capsule where the history of the site is embodied in an immortal (if made well) space that can last generations. This is what Mangmi Farm presents through its structure.

The Mangmi Farm by Todot Architects and Partners

*With an abundance of openings and glass windows, the farm has great natural ventilation too.*

This farm in Mangmi Village, Yangpyeong, South Korea is in a valley surrounded by three mountains. Set within the deep mountains, it’s a peaceful place that’s perfect as a getaway from the noisy city. The project is an extension of the forest around it. This same forest has been rooted in the site for so long that trees and their branches contain memories of the past. The project was commissioned by a retired couple who have been living there growing fruit trees. Soon, they asked for a community facility and a glasshouse along with a campsite.

Birch trees inspire the Mingma Farmhouse’s design.

Modeled After Trees

Wood materials dominate the Mangmi Farmhouse to capture the same warmth their texture brings. These include the exterior and interior walls, the roof structure, the floor finish, and even the stair treads. Installed at 400mm into the roof, there are spruce wood studs that also act as structural elements, louvers, and other architectural elements. The pine tree plywood for the interior finishes meanwhile has knots and a bright tone that gives a natural look when combined with the spruce rafters.

*Upon reaching the mid-level, visitors can see the birch trees and cabins hidden by the front mass and the topography.*

*This warm texture of wood makes the Mangmi Farm practically feel like living inside the soul of the forest itself.*

*In the middle, a lounging area is safe from the heat of the sun but still has enough brightness to give the space more energy.*

The main exterior meanwhile has a design that resembles the silver birch trees. This is specifically seen on the silver galvanized steel on the roof is a pattern of a colony of straightly grown birch trees. Cedar also mixes with the other wood materials to give the structure a reddish tone with light brown hues. Silicide meanwhile adds to the durability of the wood and turns it into a silver-gray tone as time passes. Oak on the stair treads and flooring meanwhile gives the space a bit more character with its vividness and delicacy.

With this wide variety of wood, the structure has a maximized spatial depth and warmth that makes Mangmi Farm the perfect place to completely relax and be with nature.

Photos by Jinbo Choi

Download this month's BLUPRINT magazine digital copy from:

Subscribe via [email protected]