On the 17th, POSCO E&C announced that it completed the 'Jamsil The Sharp Ruben,' the country's first high-rise remodeling complex, and began moving in on the 7th.
This complex was completed by vertically extending the Seongji apartment building, which was constructed in 1992, located in Songpa-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul. After approval of the project plan in 2020, construction began in January 2022 and, after a total of 38 months of work, it rebirthed in March this year.
The existing two buildings were altered from 2 basement levels and 15 floors to 3 basement levels and 18 floors, increasing from 298 to 327 units, with the additional 29 units fully allocated for general sale.
The significance of Jamsil The Sharp Ruben lies in being the first complex in the country to vertically extend by three floors. 'Vertical extension' is a remodeling method that extends the number of floors of an existing apartment building upwards, allowing for a maximum of two additional floors for buildings with fewer than 15 floors and three additional floors for buildings with 15 floors or more.
Although it has the advantage of maintaining the existing complex layout, avoiding interference, and ensuring views, it requires high technical expertise due to the application of stricter standards for structural safety after undergoing two safety reviews.
To accommodate the additional load from the vertical extension of three floors, POSCO E&C performed complex foundation reinforcement work, ensuring the solid ground could bear the burden. For the elevator installation area that required excavation beneath the existing structure, it applied a 'floating structural work method' supported by reinforcement piles, and for areas with insufficient support, it used a 'descend foundation reinforcement method' to reach solid ground and a 'foundation thickening reinforcement method' to strengthen the foundation with additional concrete pouring.
Additionally, to better connect the new and old structures, it applied a 'new and old consolidation complex method' that involves welding the rebar of both structures and securing them with chemical anchors.
By utilizing smart construction technologies such as 3D scanning for precise measurement of existing buildings, simulating with Building Information Modeling (BIM), and implementing a real-time monitoring measurement system, it assessed the optimal demolition plan and secured safety through precise construction.
POSCO E&C also provided a new residential environment for residents through the remodeling. The underground parking lot was expanded, increasing the number of parking spaces to nearly double the original with a total of 398. Various amenities such as a fitness club, a screen golf practice area, a small library, a daycare center, a senior center, and electric vehicle charging facilities have been newly established.
The living area of the existing units was also expanded from 66㎡ to 83㎡ and from 84㎡ to 106㎡. Furthermore, pantry and dressing rooms were added, and a face-to-face kitchen was applied for units according to preferences, offering more diverse living spaces. Additionally, the existing units incorporated a well ceiling design to maximize ceiling height. Particularly, the curtain wall was produced using 'PosMAC,' a premium steel product made by POSCO.
Meanwhile, POSCO E&C is leading the remodeling industry through unique specialized remodeling technologies and optimized floor plans, including smart construction technologies such as BIM, 3D scanning, drone surveying, vertical extension structural systems for remodeling, a new consolidation method for connecting old and new structures, high-strength reinforced piles, a steel 3UP top-down method, and a modular heating and hot water supply system.
POSCO E&C has been selected as the contractor for six public support remodeling complexes in Seongnam, including Rainbow Village Complex 4 and Neutimaul Complexes 3 and 4, and is currently underway with construction, planning to gradually allocate general sales this year. Moreover, in January, it secured its first order for 2025 with a remodeling project for the Sangnok Tower Apartments in Gwangjang-dong, Seoul, and has independently challenged the selection of a contractor for the largest-scale remodeling projects in the Gangnam area, the Iisu Geukdong and Woosung No. 2 and 3 complexes.