[2025 Asia Construction Grand Awards] Wind Corridors and Shared Parks... LH Housing Integrated with the Local Community

Korea Land and Housing Corporation (LH) received the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the architecture category at this year's Asia Construction Grand Awards. The 36th complex, established by LH in Block AA34 of the Geomdan district in Seo-gu, Incheon, is a national rental housing complex where all units are under 60 square meters of exclusive area. The complex consists of 16 buildings with a total of 1,746 households, ranging from two basement floors to a maximum of 25 above-ground floors.

Unlike typical rental housing, LH aimed to create a "Collaboration Village" that would serve as a central community for both residents and the local area. Geomdan, one of the second-phase new towns, is surrounded by low-rise residential areas, and this characteristic was reflected in the design of the new complex. The plan was to minimize discord with the surrounding environment while adapting the complex to the characteristics of the site and the flow of the terrain. Wind corridors were created to prevent large buildings from blocking the nearby village district, and green spaces were incorporated throughout the site for the same reason. Through this project, LH won the Minister of Land, Infrastructure and Transport Award in the architecture category at this year's Asia Construction Grand Awards.

LH expanded and connected local streets to link the complex with the low-rise residential community to the west of the district. The goal was to create an open and shared village that harmonizes with the surrounding area. Shared parks and linear community spaces were also arranged in line with this vision.

LH Incheon Geomdan Complex 36. Provided by Korea Land and Housing Corporation

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Given the complex’s location at the entrance to the Geomdan district, the exterior landscape was designed to create a symbolic impression. Various unit types were stacked to create a diverse facade. A symbolic landmark tower was built in the central community plaza. From the planning stage, the aim was to implement a unique facade design through diverse unit types and vertical, horizontal, and stacked combinations, resulting in features such as protruding balconies.

Unusually for a rental apartment, penthouses (balcony houses) were applied to some buildings. The front space created by the difference in floor area between upper and lower floors was utilized for certain upper-level units facing the village district. These were designed as duplexes with private yards.

In designing the complex, pedestrian routes were planned to reduce the heat island effect and fine dust exposure. Simulations were conducted based on a typical day in the life of a resident. To mitigate heat waves, neighborhood facilities were placed under tree shade, and shaded playgrounds were installed beneath pedestrian slopes to allow residents to move comfortably within the complex. Indoor gardens, indoor playgrounds, and green spaces were provided to further reduce exposure to fine dust.

In case of an earthquake, the shortest possible routes from the center of the complex to outdoor spaces were secured for evacuation. A 50-meter-wide natural ground area was established to ensure safety, and adjacent spaces such as the indoor gymnasium were designated as safe waiting areas in the event of an earthquake.

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The total site area is 55,778 square meters, with a building area of 10,015 square meters and a total floor area of 131,982 square meters. Landscaping covers 17,064 square meters, accounting for more than 30% of the total project site. There are 524 units of 29 square meters, 524 units of 37 square meters, and 698 units of 46 square meters. Community facilities include senior centers, daycare centers, small libraries, children's playgrounds, indoor gyms, a management office, and neighborhood facilities for social enterprises. Parking is available for a total of 1,386 vehicles, including 553 above-ground spaces. The construction companies involved were City Construction, Sambu Construction, Donghwa E&C, and Taeyoung General Equipment.

The public housing site in Incheon Geomdan district is planned to accommodate a total of 75,876 households, including 71,710 apartment units, on a total land area of 11.18 million square meters. The project is divided into three phases, with completion targeted by the end of next year. Surrounding the award-winning 36th complex are general sale complexes (AA32 and AA33) and public rental complexes (AA35).

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