Project Name: HORONG Bakery

Location: Godeok New Town, Seoul, South Korea

Design Team: Design Studio Maoom

Total Floor Area: 326 m²

Completion: 2023

Photography: Sungkee jin (soulgraph photography)

Feature:

Project - Design Studio Maoom has completed their latest project - HORONG Bakery in Godeok New Town, reinterpreting the concept of urban sanctuary through contemporary design approaches. This 326-square-meter structure serves both as a retail bakery and a thoughtfully crafted urban retreat.

The project's most distinctive feature is its innovative treatment of structural columns. The design team transformed these essential elements into spatial protagonists through recurring circular details, creating an environment that is both monumental and gentle. These architectural elements interact with natural light to create rhythmic shadow patterns, adding dimensionality and vibrancy to the space.

The spatial layout is carefully orchestrated, encompassing bakery display areas, resting zones, and window-side seating. The design creates a serene and warm atmosphere through unified beige tones and extensive glazing. Wooden furnishings are arranged in island-like configurations to provide independent relaxation spaces, while window-side seating maximizes natural light exposure to enhance spatial comfort.

The project's uniqueness lies in its reconsideration of urban respite spaces. Drawing inspiration from the gentle glow of lanterns, the design team transformed the space into a warm sanctuary within urban life. Through careful orchestration of materials, light, and space, they created a tranquil haven where visitors can temporarily escape the city's bustle.

Design Team - Founded in 2016, Design Studio Maoom is an innovative architectural practice guided by the philosophy of "Flexibility to change." Under the leadership of Principal Architects Minkyu Choi, Yeonjong Kim, and Jeonghwan Lee, the studio focuses on combining human-centric design with contemporary architectural innovation.

The practice specializes in a comprehensive range of projects including commercial spaces, F&B establishments, offices, residential projects, and exhibition spaces, offering integrated services in spatial design, object design, and brand identity. Their work is renowned for precise control of spatial composition, materiality, and lighting design, receiving widespread recognition in international design media such as ArchDaily and Frame.

The studio's methodology combines rigorous architectural planning with deep understanding of user experience, dedicated to creating emotional spatial experiences that transcend pure functionality. Through representative works such as NAP Coffee Roasters (2018) and CUNN Coffee (2020), the studio has demonstrated its unique ability to transform everyday spaces into meaningful environments.