Pan Gyo Complex by MACK Architects Wins Korean National Housing Contest

The Korea National Housing competition asked architects to design a sustainable community for Seoul. The winning entry by <a href="http://www.markmack.com/" target="_blank">MACK Architect(s)</a>is a myriad of color, nestled near a lush green hilly region. The Pan Gyo Housing complex will house 102 families, while leaving a <a href="http://inhabitat.com/boom-sustainable-lgbt-community-pops-up-in-costa-del-sol/" target="_blank">small ecological footprint</a>. Clad in alternating blues and oranges, the Pan Gyo Housing infuses bold punches of color into the otherwise neutral landscape and adds plenty of greenery with planted rooftops and public gardens.

Set amidst a heavily planted area, the <a href="http://inhabitat.com/forbes-park-by-urban-design-and-redevelopment/" target="_blank">sustainable housing complex</a> by MACK Architects blends seamlessly with the plant life of the area.

Pan Gyo’s common areas are heavily planted with greenery, and have shared grassy knolls. Most units also have their own <a href="http://inhabitat.com/mexicos-high-park-features-private-roof-lawns-for-residents/" target="_blank">private gardens</a>, all of which help keep interior temperatures down in hot months.

The buildings are situated to make the best use of the elements. Tall buildings are placed to block cold winds in winter, while all units face the south to maximize solar energy, as well as fill each apartment with natural lighting.

Each unit has <a href="http://inhabitat.com/breezy-torrelles-public-housing-project-is-cooled-by-a-wooden-sunscreen-and-natural-valley-air/" target="_blank">natural ventilation</a>, with fresh air flowing in through private balconies on the front façade. Mack also built stack ventilation systems in the units' stairways to keep circulation throughout. The units are heated through radiant heat, which is collected by the solar exposure.

MACK installed energy efficient roof insulation to control solar gain, as well as <a href="http://inhabitat.com/green-roofed-urban-park-springs-up-atop-a-railway-deck-in-munich/" target="_blank">green roofs</a> to also help filter rain water naturally.

The resulting housing project gives residents an affordable place to live, with ample public and private green spaces, while <a href="http://inhabitat.com/self-sufficient-academy-for-haiti-is-a-geometric-grid-of-greenery-topped-plateaus/" target="_blank">using minimal energy</a>.