CHOHELO A+U, South Korea: Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2021
South Korea-based architecture practice CHOHELO A+U and its curvaceous, unconventional designs join the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2021

Sweaping curves, minimalist volumes and drama that is supported by research and a sense of experimentation define the work of CHOHELO A+U, the practice led by Shinhyung Cho and Stuart Helo. The Seoul-based studio’s portfolio includes Rounded House, an elegant private home in South Korea. With it, and a growing body of work beyond, the practice joins the ranks of the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2021.
Who: CHOHELO
A practice dedicated to challenging our perceptions about aesthetics and the visual interpretation of architectural typologies, CHOHELO A+U is a Seoul practice that was set up by co-directors Shinhyung Cho and Stuart Helo in 2015. The two South Korea-based architects feel passionate about experimentation, their work often led by a rigorous design process and the idea of endless possiblities.
‘Architects design buildings. But if we just design buildings, tomorrow will be no different from today. CHOHELO A+U looks to the future and opens up possilibities so that life in the city can go beyond the current reality. We are building the future vision of the city,' say the two directors. ‘We also aim to explore alternative ways of approaching the debate around sustainability, from a critical lens rather than from a technological one.'
The pair's bold statements are accompanied by equally powerful imagery, their work often defined by sweaping curves, dramatic geometries and eye-catching compositions. Their designs include several residential projects, such as Rounded House, a minimalist, subtly futuristic white home (see below), as well as a range of other commissions, from galleries to retail and a beautifully sculptural chapel.
What: Rounded House
This generous private home in the outskirts of Seoul was designed with both work and entertaining in mind. The clients, part of a large family that enjoys hosting, called upon CHOHELO A+U's Shinhyung Cho and Stuart Helo for a house design featuring a generous kitchen and dining area that would be perfect for big family banquets, but also have enough space for a workshop on the lower ground level – one of the clients is an established metalworker.
CHOHELO A+U obliged and Rounded House was born, defined by its scale and apparent simpicity. Its crisp, white, minimalist box form with rounded corners, which add a subtly futuristic edge, conceals a range of living spaces within. The public areas are located on the ground level, with a flowing dining area, kitchen, and living room spilling out to a large garden. Private rooms are upstairs, and the workspace downstairs.
A spacious circulation core becomes a central feature and the ‘heart of the house', say the team. It is also strategic in the project's sustainability approach, boosting natural air circulation, allowing hot air to travel upwards and out, leaving the house fresher inside. This is supported by a carefully planned insulation strategy (an air pocket within the walls’ double concrete skin), ensuring passive cooling and energy saving.
Why: Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2021
Conceived in 2000 as our index of emerging architectural talent, the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory is our magazine’s annual listing of promising practices from across the globe. The project has, over the years, spanned styles and continents, while always championing the best and most exciting young studios and showcasing inspiring work with an emphasis on the residential realm. Now including more than 500 alumni and counting, the Architects’ Directory is back for its 21st edition. Join us as we launch this year’s survey – 20 young studios, from Australia, Canada, China, Colombia, Ghana, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, the USA, and the UK, with plenty of promise, ideas and exciting architecture.
INFORMATION
chohelo.com
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Ellie Stathaki is the Architecture & Environment Director at Wallpaper*. She trained as an architect at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and studied architectural history at the Bartlett in London. Now an established journalist, she has been a member of the Wallpaper* team since 2006, visiting buildings across the globe and interviewing leading architects such as Tadao Ando and Rem Koolhaas. Ellie has also taken part in judging panels, moderated events, curated shows and contributed in books, such as The Contemporary House (Thames & Hudson, 2018), Glenn Sestig Architecture Diary (2020) and House London (2022).
-
From David Hockney to Tony Blair, a new film takes us inside the Alternative Miss World
Upon creating Alternative Miss World in 1972, Andrew Logan cemented a counter-culture – and rubbed a few people up the wrong way
-
Foster + Partners to design the national memorial to Queen Elizabeth II
For the Queen Elizabeth II memorial, Foster + Partners designs proposal includes a new bridge, gates, gardens and figurative sculptures in St James’ Park
-
Inside MAZE Design Basel the city's new design fair
With only 11 exhibitors and the backdrop of a Swiss Gothic Revival church, MAZE Design Basel is a new intimate art fair for those in the know
-
On Jeju Island, South Korea, a cabin stay with unobstructed views of forest and sky
Egattoc is a new hospitality complex by architect Byoung Cho, who wanted to create an experience where guests ‘can see the forest while they take a shower’
-
Join our tour of Taikaka House, a slice of New Zealand in Seoul
Taikaka House, meaning ‘heart-wood’ in Māori, is a fin-clad, art-filled sanctuary, designed by Nicholas Burns
-
Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024: meet the practices
In the Wallpaper* Architects Directory 2024, our latest guide to exciting, emerging practices from around the world, 20 young studios show off their projects and passion
-
Studio Heech transforms a Seoul home, nodding to Pierre Chareau’s Maison De Verre
Young South Korean practice Studio Heech joins the Wallpaper* Architects’ Directory 2024, our annual round-up of exciting emerging architecture studios
-
Remembering Alexandros Tombazis (1939-2024), and the Metabolist architecture of this 1970s eco-pioneer
Back in September 2010 (W*138), we explored the legacy and history of Greek architect Alexandros Tombazis, who this month celebrates his 80th birthday.
-
Sun-drenched Los Angeles houses: modernism to minimalism
From modernist residences to riveting renovations and new-build contemporary homes, we tour some of the finest Los Angeles houses under the Californian sun
-
Architect Byoung Cho on nature, imperfection and interconnectedness
South Korean architect Byoung Cho’s characterful projects celebrate the quirks of nature and the interconnectedness of all things
-
2023 Seoul Biennale of architecture invites visitors to step into the outdoors
Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism 2023 has launched in the South Korean capital, running themes around nature and land through the lens of urbanism