诊所丨韩国首尔丨Design Studio Mono

Architects:Design Studio Mono

Area:191m²

Year:2025

Photographs:Seeun Park

Lead Architects:Suhyun Oh

Category:Clinic,Interior Design

Lead Team:Suhyun Oh

Design Team:Yeun Kang

City:Seoul

Country:South Korea

Text description provided by the architects. THE KYEOL Clinic is conceived as a modern interpretation of Korean aesthetics, offering a calm and refined atmosphere through natural materials, restrained details, and a focus on spatial stillness. Located within a 58-pyeong (191 m²) interior, the clinic was designed for a client seeking a space that expresses Korean identity without relying on luxury or ornamentation. The site required a balance between functionality as a dermatology clinic and the brand's desire to create a serene, culturally rooted environment. The main challenge was to build a contemporary medical space that still conveyed traditional sensibilities while maintaining openness and simplicity.

The design concept centers on the idea of "empty space"—a spatial philosophy present in traditional Korean architecture. Reclaimed dark-wood columns and hanji-acrylic partitions introduce a quiet, contemplative character, while natural light enhances the clinic's sense of openness from the reception to the lounge. Neutral-toned travertine counters and display tables emphasize tactile, natural textures, and the long wooden bar table and open shelving add subtle visual interest without disturbing the overall lightness of the space.

In the counseling and director's rooms, the reclaimed wood columns reinterpret the structural rhythm of traditional Korean buildings. Minimal lines and soft, light-colored wall finishes highlight spatial calmness, while glass doors inspired by the soft haze found in Korean ink paintings lend an atmospheric quality. Custom-made furniture ensures both functionality and visual clarity. The powder room features a curved hanji-acrylic partition that diffuses gentle light, creating a photo-friendly focal point. A black marble basin paired with suspended mirrors adds a contemporary depth rooted in traditional materiality.

The treatment and care rooms prioritize comfort and concentration. Lower ceilings and indirect lighting create a warm, intimate setting, while their placement away from direct sunlight ensures a stable medical environment. Sliding doors and an efficiently planned preparation room support smooth workflow and operational practicality.

Ultimately, THE KYEOL Clinic is designed as more than a medical facility. Through restraint, balance, and the fusion of Eastern sensibility with modern design, the clinic offers visitors a place to unwind, reconnect, and experience a calm, thoughtful approach to contemporary Korean aesthetics.

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