This new building serves as headquarters for Shinsegae International, whose offices were previously spread across the city of Seoul, South Korea. The structure stands fifteen stories tall, and accommodates more than five hundred employees. The program includes staff offices and meeting spaces, design studios, a rooftop garden and sculpture park, and ground-level retail and restaurant spaces that face onto a public plaza.

A true departure from traditional office buildings, this construction features a unique and dynamic facade. The first four floors of the framework contain seven custom-made steel wheels, each eight feet in diameter. These wheels turn throughout the day to pivot 35 ft (10.7 m) external panels, modulating daylight and changing the appearance of the facade.  The utilitarian components of this design contribute equally to both the aesthetic and the integrity of the structure. Designed to meet Korea’s energy codes, which are more rigorous that the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED standards, the building’s skin incorporates a range of technologies that reduce heat gain while optimizing thermal comfort and maximizing natural daylight year-round.

Front worked with architects Olson Kundig as facade consultants through the completion of Design Development phase. During this phase, Front was responsible for detailed facade system design, conceptualization, and coordination with the other consultant teams. System design included working closely with architects to realize and rationalize architectural design intent for facade with relevant industry feedback.

This project won the AIA Seattle Honor Award