On the 1st, Samsung C&T announced that its construction division will unveil the next-generation urban regeneration solution, "Next Remodeling," for aging apartment complexes.
"Next Remodeling" is a project that transforms existing buildings by maintaining their structure while upgrading the living performance to the level of newly built apartments. It aims to achieve high-end housing by completely redesigning the internal and external appearances while implementing smart performance and services to enhance the quality of life.
"Next Remodeling" targets apartment complexes experiencing discomfort due to lower social performance compared to physical performance. Apartments built since the 2000s have seen significant upgrades in specifications compared to previous ones, but their service levels remain lower than newly built constructions.
However, these apartments face difficulties with future reconstruction or remodeling through traditional methods, leaving no alternatives other than partial repairs. The buildings cannot receive safety inspection ratings due to their high structural stability and have already been developed at high densities in accordance with urban planning density standards, making it difficult to secure additional underground parking or expansion space.
"Next Remodeling" does not include high-risk tasks such as structural dismantling, expansion, underground excavation, and foundation reinforcement, allowing for the reduction of the review and approval period for safety evaluations. By utilizing the existing structure, construction does not require significant framing work, which occupies much of the construction period, thereby minimizing high-risk tasks and allowing for completion within two years. It is also advantageous in that it can improve residential satisfaction and increase asset value to the level of the newest apartments.
Starting this project, Samsung C&T has established partnerships with 12 apartment complexes completed in the early to mid-2000s in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, and Gwangju.
In Seoul, the complexes include ▲Yeoksam Kumho Aoulrim in Gangnam-gu, Apgujeong Daewon Cantaville, ▲Banpo Prugio, Seocho Raemian, Seocho I-Park, Seocho e-Pyeonghan Sesang 3rd & 5th in Seocho-gu, ▲Garak Dong Bus Centreville in Songpa-gu, and ▲Icho Dong Dongbu Centreville in Yongsan-gu. Centum Sensiville in Busan, Raemian Beomeo in Daegu, and Daebang Noble Land 3rd in Gwangju have also partnered with Samsung C&T.
Samsung C&T plans to propose customized projects tailored to the conditions of these complexes and the needs of residents through optimized product packages.
In particular, Samsung C&T plans to establish partnerships with the Korea Construction Technology Institute, LX Hausys, and others to discover promising startups, integrating future technologies such as smart homes, eco-friendly materials, energy savings, and automated parking into their network. They also plan to combine this with the housing platform Homnic to create a more advanced smart home environment.
Kim Sung-hwan, a research fellow at the Korea Construction Industry Research Institute, noted, "The aging of high-rise apartments in urban high-density residential environments with a high proportion of apartment complexes is a very complex issue that requires collaboration from both society and the industry. He forecasted that "Next Remodeling" will change the existing perception of urban regeneration from demolition and reconstruction, shifting the paradigm for urban function recovery and creating new demand, which will invigorate the entire construction industry.
Kim Sang-guk, head of the housing development division at Samsung C&T (vice president), stated, "Next Remodeling is the most rational solution for extending the lifecycle of buildings" and added, "Samsung C&T will fulfill its role and responsibility as a leader in housing culture by proposing various regeneration models for aging dwelling complexes based on advanced technology and product competitiveness and ensuring their establishment in the market."