Forest’s quintet was conceived as a viable alternative to urban dwelling. Situated in the beautiful mountain range of Yanggu, it is a group of individual dwelling that collectively form an ideal retreat.




Planning wise, the home are inspired by the idea of oriental pavilions. Oriental pavilions, especially those in Korean gardens, have a special way of orientating toward different views, while in close proximity to each. The difference in spatial and viewing focus allow them to be placed close together without being crowded.

The second inspiration from traditional oriental pavilions is the way they are always open to nature. In this way, these houses are not objects inserted in nature, but rather enclosure that allow nature to pass through. Most of the houses have views open to multiple orientations. And several of the homes have “gaps” that allow light, wind and view to literally pass through them.

Architects: Hyunho Lee, James Wei Ke (CHIASMUS Partners Inc.)
Location: Gongsu-ri, Yanggu-eup, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea
Design Team : Chisong Lim, Seungmin You, Sunghun Kim, Erang Park
Interior design team : Chisong Lim, Erang Park
Artist : Jo Sang
Client: Woncheol Shin, Seungyong Hyun, Jungsu Han, Minsu Han, Changhyeon Cha
Site area : 660 sqm
Building area : about 140 sqm
Total floor area : about 150 sqm
Project year: 2008 – 2009
Photographs: Young-chae Park

Chiasmus Partners