The project is the result of Arch. Cho’s vision, from Studio Space Group: an iridescent wall, always different according to the light, where the stone worked with a wave shape reflects the decorative motif of the underlying steel structures, in stark contrast with the large concrete arches and vaults of the lower part of the building.
The realization of the cladding saw the participation of Grassi Pietre for the supply of the stone and Shin-A Stone, which took care of the engineering and installation. In particular, the collaboration with Dr. Geologist Bon S Koo, branch manager of Shin-A STONE CO, has allowed the optimal management of the supply and timing.
The creation of a 1:2 scale mock-up of the Grigio Alpi cladding shaped by Grassi Pietre was fundamental for the visualization of the aesthetic characteristics and the formal result. The model envisaged a fine honed finish of the stone around the perimeter and a sawn surface (CNC shaped) of the curved part. This difference in textures results in a very pleasant and interesting chromatic and aesthetic variation.
For this project, Grassi Pietre supplied 1030 panels measuring 1584x600x50 mm, for a total of almost 1000 square meters of CNC-shaped cladding, installed with a ventilated wall structure. The cladding was pre-treated before installation with FILA HYDROREP ECO to guarantee effective protection for the stone in the urban atmosphere of Seoul. In addition, Shin-A Stone created the covers and perimetral frames of the building on site to complete the overall architecture.
The final result demonstrates the optimal balance between the design needs, the ductility of Vicenza Stone, combined with the technical experience and know-how of Grassi Pietre and its international partners.
Design: ARCH. YOUNG-WON, CHO (M/S SPACE GROUP CO., LTD)
Photography: SPACE GROUP CO., LTD e ARCH. YOUNG-WON, CHO
In collaboration with: M/S SHIN-A STONE CO., LTD