Hyundai Engineering Selected as Preferred Negotiation Partner for GH Yongin Yeongdeok Gyeonggi Happy Housing

Construction of 106-unit Happy Housing Using Korea's First 13-Story Modular Construction Method
Modular Construction Shortens Construction Period and Is Eco-Friendly... Spotlight on Next-Generation Building Technology
R&D in Modular Field Since 2012... Holds 1 New Construction Technology and 11 Patents

Perspective view of Yongin Yeongdeok Gyeonggi Happy Housing.

[Asia Economy Reporter Kangwook Cho] Hyundai Engineering announced on the 3rd that it has been selected as the preferred negotiation partner for the ‘Yongin Yeongdeok Gyeonggi Happy Housing’ project conducted by Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Corporation (GH).

The Yongin Yeongdeok Gyeonggi Happy Housing project involves constructing a total of 106 Happy Housing units using modular construction methods at 751-3 Yeongdeok-dong, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. The building will be 13 stories above ground with exclusive areas of ▲17m2 for 102 units and ▲37m2 for 4 units. Modular construction is a method based on advanced architectural technology where major structural elements such as columns, slabs, and beams, as well as architectural finishes, bathrooms, and various piping, are prefabricated in a factory and then transported and assembled on site to complete the building. Compared to traditional methods, this reduces construction time by 20-50%, minimizes noise and dust during construction, and generates less waste, making it a next-generation eco-friendly construction technology gaining attention recently.

This Yongin Yeongdeok Gyeonggi Happy Housing project is the first in Korea to build a modular public housing building as high as 13 stories, unlike previous modular housing projects which were limited to buildings of six stories or less. Accordingly, specialized structural, residential performance, manufacturing, and construction technologies are required for mid-to-high-rise modular buildings, including a ‘3-hour fire resistance’ rating capable of withstanding fire for more than three hours in major structural parts.

As part of its future architectural technology development, Hyundai Engineering began research and development of modular construction technology in 2012 and has since acquired one new construction technology certification and 11 patents. The company has also accumulated extensive technology in the modular construction field through joint research with public institutions such as SH, LH, and the Korea Institute of Civil Engineering and Building Technology, as well as participation in multiple national research projects on Off-Site Construction (OSC). Notably, Construction Technology No. 770, which enhances seismic performance of modular structures by reinforcing joints between modular units, is the first and only technology of its kind in Korea for mid-to-high-rise modular structural design.

Last year, Hyundai Engineering reorganized its Technology Research Institute within the Architecture Business Division into a leading smart construction technology organization and is actively developing and introducing practical and pioneering smart construction technologies in four areas: ▲OSC (Off-Site Construction), ▲smart project management, ▲smart site management, and ▲construction automation. The company plans to accumulate proprietary technology through R&D that integrates smart construction technology and modular technology.

A Hyundai Engineering official stated, "Being selected as the preferred negotiation partner for the Gyeonggi Housing and Urban Corporation (GH) Yongin Yeongdeok Gyeonggi Happy Housing project externally validates Hyundai Engineering’s advanced modular technology capabilities developed through years of research and development," adding, "We plan to actively secure technological competitiveness by applying smart construction technology to modular construction."