We have completed the construction of ‘Warmth of lake’ located in Milky Way Village, Anseong.
Despite difficult conditions during the winter season, we were able to overcome challenges and finish the project thanks to the ideas that came to mind during the construction process, the efforts of our staff, and the great consideration of our client.
When designing the building, we asked ourselves three key questions: 1. How can our building coexist harmoniously with the natural environment? 2. How can this space, which contains both the value of the past and newly designed elements, come together seamlessly? 3. How can the historical and regional characteristics of Milky Way Village be integrated into this space?
To realize this vision, the building was expressed as a castle made of one large water in nature, excluding other senses of the building's existence. We minimized the use of colors and finishing materials, and partitioned only necessary spaces. We removed most of the walls that previously separated the space from nature, and designed the exterior wall to be constructed entirely of glass, to allow visitors to fully enjoy the beautiful lake, trees, and warm sunlight.
However, we also decided to preserve the value of the old concrete beams and stairwells, which had been part of the building for a long time.
Milky Way Village was named after Catholics who escaped persecution in the 1800s and settled here to maintain their religious beliefs. At that time, the lights lit by Catholic believers were reflected on the water and appeared to resemble the Milky Way. To bring the village's historical and regional characteristics into this space, we created a space-time tunnel outside, where the light reflected on the water 200 years ago (past light) and the light from a bonfire (present light) converge. In the middle of the tunnel, visitors can reflect on and contemplate the lives of those who hoped for a better future and lived during a prosperous era in the past.
Through this space, visitors will be able to feel how beautiful the coming tomorrow in their lives will be, just like the lake. The beauty and serenity of the lake may serve as a metaphor for the potential for growth and renewal in our lives. Being in such a peaceful and natural environment can help to foster positive feelings and inspire a sense of possibility, which can be carried forward into our daily lives. Visitors to this place no longer need to face each other and engage in constant conversation; they can simply face the same space and enjoy a moment of reflection and rest. Unlike many social situations where people feel obligated to engage in conversation, visitors to the lake are encouraged to simply enjoy the beauty of the surroundings and take time for quiet contemplation and rest. The lake and its tranquil surroundings can provide a much-needed break from the hustle and bustle of daily life, and offer visitors an opportunity to recharge and refresh both their minds and bodies.