Not all buildings make a strong impression at first sight. Some spaces are designed to slowly seep in and maintain a sense of tranquility for a long time.
In the multi-layered streets of Korea, the humble hanok is gaining international recognition for its simplicity that other grand structures cannot achieve. The Hanok Heritage House, designed by Listen Communication, won first place in the ‘Most Beautiful Hotel’ category at the 2024 UNESCO-sponsored Prix Versailles Prize World Architecture and Design Award.
All elements are natural yet delicately express the Korean sentiment, and it is composed of creative spaces where the past and present coexist. The scent of wood permeates the space, creating an invisible choreography that deepens the consciousness the moment you visit.
Rather than restoring the project, Listen Communication implemented creative spaces that fit modern use. The design respects the original structure of the hanok while opening up new spatial relationships. The rooms unfold in silence, and the rhythms of nature—wind, shadow, light—drive the experience.
This philosophy is central to the studio’s broader design approach. Architecture is not a realm of objects, but of emotions. Their work often draws on the subtle connections between people and places, a Korean aesthetic called Jeong (正). This connection is vividly expressed in this house.
Rather than imposing a style, the architects made the space feel like a sanctuary in itself. This humility, coupled with a deep understanding of materials, makes the Hanok Heritage House not only a beautiful project, but also a deeply moving one.
In today’s constantly stimulating world, such spaces are becoming increasingly rare and at the same time increasingly necessary.
