Tile Addict loves ceramics with a bit of whimsy. The nature of tile formats means they can be used playfully in a range of tech-inspired ways, for example, Invader‘s pixelated video game tags. In a similar vein, on a much larger scale, this apartment block in South Korea has brought Minecraft to life.


In Seoul’s Mangwon-dong area, the Cascade House now stands out amongst its counterparts as a glistening red symmetrical symbol of fun. Aoa Architects set the building over an open parking garage, supported by large concrete pillars and made to look as if the apartments are set on stilts.


The exterior is clad in red square tiles, whilst white covers the concrete pillars, the lower sections of the building, and the symmetrical terraces. Juxtaposed against the glossy red tiles are roughly finished blocks that sit atop each terrace corner, adding textural variety and a cartoonish separation of levels.


This modern alternative to the areas more function-focused units is designed to accommodate five apartments whilst injecting a much needed boost of energy, and decorative style that can be enjoyed by the whole neighbourhood.
A new post by Hanna Simpson, Diary of a Tile Addict, June 2020.