February 8, 2025

Gimpo ‘Kevin House’ by UTAA Designed for Outdoor Living

UTAA designed a family home in Gimpo-si, South Korea, named Gimpo “Kevin House” in 2020. The house features a central yard and multi-level interiors, promoting indoor-outdoor living. It balances daily life with vacation home elements, including protected outdoor spaces and a skip-floor layout for visual connectivity.

Modern brick facade with gabled roof, large windows, and a garage door. Minimalist exterior design.

Project centered on exterior-interior connection

UTAA designed the Cabin House in Unyang-dong, Gimpo-si, as a family home for a couple and their three children who enjoy camping. The project prioritized the connection between indoors and outdoors, enhancing the family’s outdoor experience.

The house has a spacious plot used to maximize the natural surroundings and provide a large patio for outdoor activities. The main building and two separate units are situated at each end of the plot, connected by a corridor and a wall, providing privacy for the patio.

Spacious living room with wooden staircase, built-in bookshelves, and cozy gray sofa.

The multi-level living areas promote communication

The Cabin House organizes the common space on three levels, using a protruding floor design. The living room is partially raised, creating visual and functional connections with the kitchen and dining area on the second floor and with the study area, known as the “Forest of Wisdom”, on the second floor. This layout encourages communication and openness, enriching the family’s daily life.

Minimalist living room with large built-in bookshelves, wooden stairs, and modern furniture.

A large sliding door in the dividing wall that connects the two separate units allows for controlled opening, enabling a camper to enter the courtyard. This central courtyard encourages active use of the outdoors while blocking out the cluttered surrounding landscape, creating a stable and tranquil atmosphere inside the house.

Modern kitchen with black cabinets, large windows, and a dining table overlooking a garden.

Combines everyday life with a vacation-like experience

The design aims to balance the everyday life of a detached house with the restful experience of a vacation home. The courtyard provides space for children to play, while the interior offers opportunities for pleasant gatherings with friends and neighbors. On rainy days, the hallway and eaves provide protection from the rain, creating a subtle landscape with the sound of raindrops.

Modern kitchen with sleek cabinets, large windows, and an open floor plan leading to a patio.

In South Korea, where the four seasons are distinct, the Cabin House becomes a memorable place, offering various ways for the family to enjoy each season as a small vacation spot.