On September 9, remodeling work was underway at the 30-year-old Neutimaeul Complex 4 in Bundang, Seongnam. The project aims to transform the aging apartments into a new complex. The existing corridors and balconies have been removed to create expanded living spaces, while construction is ongoing for a four-level underground parking facility.
Unlike reconstruction, which involves demolishing and rebuilding, remodeling retains the main framework of the existing building. This process not only updates the exterior and finishes but also expands living areas and alters parking and circulation routes. On this day, Posco E&C was overseeing the remodeling at Neutimaeul Complex 4 and the completed The Sharp Dunchon Forest in Gangdong-gu, Seoul.
Unlike reconstruction, which involves demolishing and rebuilding, remodeling retains the main framework of the existing building. This process not only updates the exterior and finishes but also expands living areas and alters parking and circulation routes. On this day, Posco E&C was overseeing the remodeling at Neutimaeul Complex 4 and the completed The Sharp Dunchon Forest in Gangdong-gu, Seoul.
Neutimaeul Complex 4, Over 30 Years Old, Expands by 143 Units
Completed in 1994, Neutimaeul Complex 4 is currently undergoing remodeling after residents moved out in 2023. The project aims for completion by October 2027, adding one new building to the existing 16, resulting in a total of 17 buildings with 1,149 units, an increase of 143 units from the previous 1,006.
The existing 16 buildings will undergo horizontal expansion, increasing the area in front and behind each unit, and an additional pilotis level will be added. The floor plans will diversify from four to 28 options. Some existing 58-square-meter units will be expanded to 74 square meters, adding an extra room. This simultaneous expansion of existing buildings and construction of a new building is taking place within the same complex.
The existing 16 buildings will undergo horizontal expansion, increasing the area in front and behind each unit, and an additional pilotis level will be added. The floor plans will diversify from four to 28 options. Some existing 58-square-meter units will be expanded to 74 square meters, adding an extra room. This simultaneous expansion of existing buildings and construction of a new building is taking place within the same complex.
Remodeling Addresses Long-Standing Parking Issues in 40-Year-Old Buildings
The remodeling will also tackle chronic parking shortages in older apartments. The previous parking capacity of 601 spaces will be expanded to 1,966 spaces with the new underground facility. Elevators will connect directly to the underground parking, while the existing surface parking will be converted into green space.
Given that the existing structure is being retained, the construction requires advanced techniques. The 30-year-old framework must be reinforced while integrating new structures. At the site, existing slabs are being connected to new slabs, and carbon fiber sheets are used to strengthen the existing framework. A top-down construction method allows for simultaneous work above and below ground.
A Posco E&C representative stated, "While remodeling typically incurs higher costs and requires more technical expertise than new construction, expanding the underground parking is essential. The complexity of the project arises from the simultaneous execution of earthworks, reinforced concrete work, surface finishing, and structural work."
According to site officials, above-ground structural work is over 90% complete, while the underground parking construction is about 80% finished. Above ground, structural and finishing work is being conducted concurrently.
Given that the existing structure is being retained, the construction requires advanced techniques. The 30-year-old framework must be reinforced while integrating new structures. At the site, existing slabs are being connected to new slabs, and carbon fiber sheets are used to strengthen the existing framework. A top-down construction method allows for simultaneous work above and below ground.
A Posco E&C representative stated, "While remodeling typically incurs higher costs and requires more technical expertise than new construction, expanding the underground parking is essential. The complexity of the project arises from the simultaneous execution of earthworks, reinforced concrete work, surface finishing, and structural work."
According to site officials, above-ground structural work is over 90% complete, while the underground parking construction is about 80% finished. Above ground, structural and finishing work is being conducted concurrently.
Transforming a 40-Year-Old Building: New Life After Remodeling
At The Sharp Dunchon Forest in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, the completed remodeling of the complex was evident. Originally built in 1984, the Dunchon Hyundai 1st Complex was remodeled and opened for residents in October 2024. The traces of the 40-year-old framework are hardly noticeable from the exterior.
The original complex, consisting of five buildings with 498 units, has been expanded to eight buildings with 572 units by adding three new buildings between the existing ones. The additional 74 units were made available for general sale, with an average subscription competition rate of 93 to 1 during the sales period.
The most significant changes are in parking and landscaping. Previously lacking an underground parking facility, the complex now features two levels of underground parking, increasing capacity from 368 to 703 vehicles, nearly doubling the number. The parking ratio per unit has also increased from about 0.7 to 1.2 spaces.
The original complex, consisting of five buildings with 498 units, has been expanded to eight buildings with 572 units by adding three new buildings between the existing ones. The additional 74 units were made available for general sale, with an average subscription competition rate of 93 to 1 during the sales period.
The most significant changes are in parking and landscaping. Previously lacking an underground parking facility, the complex now features two levels of underground parking, increasing capacity from 368 to 703 vehicles, nearly doubling the number. The parking ratio per unit has also increased from about 0.7 to 1.2 spaces.
On the surface, the former parking area has been transformed into landscaped spaces, including rock gardens, ponds, tea houses, walking paths, and playgrounds. A Posco E&C representative noted, "The most important aspect of apartment landscaping is to create spaces where people can relax and feel comfortable. We designed the area to enjoy green spaces and allow families to play and stroll together."
The flow from the parking area to the residences has also been improved. Initially, the design required residents to ascend from the underground parking to the surface via stairs before accessing their units. However, the existing elevators have been extended to the second basement level, allowing residents to go directly from the parking area to their units, similar to new apartments.
The interiors of the units have also been expanded. The original 84-square-meter units have been increased to 93 to 95 square meters, and the layout has changed from three bedrooms and one bathroom to four bedrooms, including an alpha room, and two bathrooms. A Posco E&C representative explained, "While the usable area has increased by about three pyeong, including balcony extensions, the actual perceived area inside has expanded by approximately nine pyeong."
The new buildings feature modern layouts, including four-bay designs. The complex also includes community facilities such as a reading room, gym, screen golf, and a daycare center. The remodeled units utilizing the existing framework and the newly constructed buildings now share parking, landscaping, and communal facilities, creating a cohesive residential community.
Since entering the remodeling market in 2014, Posco E&C has accumulated contracts for 46 complexes, totaling 47,562 units and approximately 14.3 trillion won. Currently, demolition work is underway at sites including Gwangjang Sangnok Tower, Yongin Suji Choiup Village, and Bundang Hansol Village 5. Plans for next year include relocations and construction at Yongin Suji Dongbu Apartments, Bundang Maehwa Village 2, and Suwon Yeongtong Byeokjeokgol Jugong 8.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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