The First Contract Complex That Established a Successful Premium Brand Since Its 2015 Launch
Created as a High-End Premium Residential Space Through Cooperation Among the Association, Construction Company, and General Buyers
[Asia Economy Reporter Kangwook Cho] Hyundai Engineering & Construction announced on the 14th that its premium residential brand ‘THE H BANPO LACLASS’ will begin move-in on the 15th.
‘THE H BANPO LACLASS’ is a complex rebuilt from the Samho Garden Mansion Phase 3 apartment located on 31,228.8㎡ in Banpo-dong 32-8, Seocho-gu, Seoul. It is the first complex won by Hyundai Engineering & Construction after launching its premium brand THE H in 2015. Applying a building coverage ratio of 17.96% and a floor area ratio of 299.49%, the complex was reborn as six buildings ranging from four basement floors to a maximum of 35 floors above ground, with a total of 848 households. Although not a large-scale complex, it attracts attention with its differentiated exterior and landscaping, sky lounge, and top-tier community facilities.
A New Landmark in Banpo Differentiated by Style Rather Than Scale
The most eye-catching features are the irregular gateposts and the first-ever streamlined exterior applied in Gangnam. The main entrance gateposts, designed with a streamlined shape and wave-shaped specialized exterior, maximize road visibility for THE H LACLASS, which has a narrow and long site layout with limited frontage on the main road, while embodying the luxury of the premium brand THE H.
Using 3D design, the irregular gateposts are constructed by connecting about 2,400 stainless steel panels on 16 large steel frames. At night, 12,209 lights illuminate the gateposts, enhancing the complex’s first impression. Created with great care by leading domestic artists, the gateposts of THE H LACLASS are regarded not just as entrances but as completed art sculptures. Additionally, the streamlined exterior, the first of its kind in Gangnam, features a fa?ade design combining curves and straight lines symbolizing the waves of the Han River, harmonizing with the surrounding landscape and creating a new urban landmark.
The Beautiful Coexistence of Nature and Art Creates an Urban Resort
Upon entering the complex, the sounds of birds and water create an atmosphere reminiscent of a tranquil resort. In line with the concept of ‘Soft Charisma,’ a gallery garden harmonizing landscaping and artworks was created to enhance the value of this premium residential complex.
Utilizing the narrow and long terrain, parking was placed underground, and open pedestrian paths were secured above ground. Along the paths, various tree species such as bonsai-style junipers and large crape myrtles (Baekilhong) were planted, and landscaping was designed to naturally blend a rock garden inspired by forest valleys and fountains. Furthermore, artworks by domestic and international artists including Kwon Chi-gyu (Korea), Huang Chi-yang (Taiwan), Kim Byung-ho (Korea), and Cynthia Sa (Hong Kong) were placed throughout the complex. The ‘Cloud Walk,’ a spatial art piece by Dutch design master Karel Martens, participating for the first time in Asia, was installed to complete a private garden with a resort-like sensibility where residents can connect with art in daily life.
The pilotis located in each building were utilized not as wasted spaces but as areas connected to the landscaping, creating comfortable private resting spots that highlight modern architectural beauty while offering an exotic healing environment.
Top-tier Community Facilities for Healthy and Abundant Living
Community facilities were also established to allow residents to use convenience facilities within the complex without needing to go outside. These include fitness facilities equipped with internationally renowned exercise equipment used in luxury hotels, large-scale sauna facilities with both dry and wet saunas, as well as soundproofed music practice rooms, multimedia rooms, and personal broadcasting studios, aligning with the complex’s concept that combines art and residence.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction utilized underground pit spaces secured through parking design changes to create a larger indoor golf practice range compared to other complexes. Additionally, an indoor rock climbing facility was installed in the sunken plaza, which was previously an unused underground space, enabling residents to enjoy various hobbies. Thanks to the efficient use of leftover spaces by the construction company, the areas available for residents’ enjoyment have expanded.
By taking a dedicated elevator installed in Building 102 up to the 35th floor, residents can access the exclusive sky lounge unique to THE H BANPO LACLASS. This space operates as a small library where residents can read and study in a cozy environment overlooking the Han River, Namsan Tower, and Seoripul Park, offering a panoramic view of Seoul. At night, residents can enjoy the lighting flowing along the streamlined exterior and the night view of Seoul, making it a healing space for residents.
An Unprecedented Case of Cooperation Among the Association, Contractor, and General Buyers in a Contentious Redevelopment Project
After the preliminary inspection conducted in April, THE H BANPO LACLASS attracted industry attention when the General Buyers’ Council displayed a giant thank-you banner expressing gratitude to Hyundai Engineering & Construction, the contractor. This is considered highly unusual in redevelopment projects where conflicts between contractors and associations are frequent.
Since this was the first complex won and introduced under the premium brand, Hyundai Engineering & Construction focused on upgrading the complex by providing complimentary specialized designs such as the wave-shaped exterior, irregular gateposts, and landscaping. The association members also agreed to invest part of the sales profits into enhancing the complex’s quality, working together with the contractor to increase the apartment’s value. General buyers actively communicated by forming a council and assisted the project’s progress through negotiations, demonstrating cooperation among all parties.
In an environment where redevelopment projects are increasingly delayed or canceled due to demands for contractor replacement, construction cost increases, internal association conflicts, and various lawsuits, the case of THE H BANPO LACLASS, where the association, contractor, and general buyers united, is regarded as an exemplary case in the industry.
A Hyundai Engineering & Construction official stated, "As the first complex won by the THE H brand, which has set the standard for residential spaces representing South Korea and attracted much attention, we strived to realize a private residential space embracing art and resort elements beyond a high-end brand. We will repay customers with the highest construction quality so they can experience premium residential spaces and the best residential services."
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