Hanok 2.0 Era: Planting a Sustainable Future in Traditional Architecture

The traditional Korean house, Hanok, is evolving. A new era of 'Hanok 2.0' is opening, blending the beauty of the past with the convenience and sustainability of modern life.

The value of Hanok is being re-evaluated as a living space, not just a relic in a museum.

Traditional Hanok showcases the prototype of nature-friendly architecture.

Using materials obtained from nature such as earth, wood, and stone, the scientific design that adjusts the eaves' length to keep cool in summer and allow sunlight in during winter aligns with the principles of Passive House that modern architecture pursues.

However, traditional Hanok has several limitations when applied to modern living. The most significant drawbacks are its weak insulation and airtightness, making it vulnerable to winter cold and low in energy efficiency.

Additionally, the difficulty of maintenance and high construction costs have been obstacles to its popularization.

Recently, architects and artisans are attempting various innovations to overcome these limitations.

While maintaining the traditional wooden structure, high-performance insulation materials are applied to the walls, and system windows are introduced to dramatically increase energy efficiency.

There are also increasing cases of installing special tiles that maintain the traditional roof tile shape while enabling solar power generation to achieve energy independence.

The internal space configuration is also changing. While maintaining the openness of traditional courtyards and large wooden floors, designs that efficiently arrange kitchens and bathrooms to suit modern lifestyles and ensure personal privacy are being introduced.

These 'modern Hanoks' are expanding their scope beyond just residential spaces to commercial spaces and public buildings.

In particular, as overseas attention grows on the unique aesthetic and eco-friendliness of Hanok, there is a trend of increasing architectural projects applying Korean traditional architectural styles.

This is becoming an important opportunity to promote Korean architectural culture to the world alongside the spread of K-culture.

The government and local governments are also expanding support to revitalize Hanok construction. They are easing building regulations and providing subsidies while focusing on training specialized personnel.

The evolution of Hanok raises important questions about how to inherit and develop tradition.

It is necessary to understand the wisdom and philosophy contained within the past, rather than simply replicating it, and to reinterpret it with modern technology and sensibilities.

Hanok, which embodies the wisdom of our ancestors who sought a sustainable life in harmony with nature, holds infinite possibilities as an architectural alternative in the era of climate crisis.