In the recent presale market, "glass" is emerging as a new keyword that determines the value of apartments. Glass, which in the past remained in the role of windows that simply separated the exterior from the interior and let in light, is now transforming into a core finishing material that defines an apartment's exterior, maximizes views, and elevates the quality of indoor space.
A common feature of luxury apartments rising along the Han River in Seoul is an exterior that puts "glass" front and center. The "curtain wall look" method, which wraps the apartment's exterior walls in glass, is now being applied to high-end apartments beyond ultra-high-rise mixed-use complexes. That is because glass is the most effective material for breaking away from uniform apartment designs and building a sophisticated, modern urban landmark image.
Transparent glass is also quickly replacing the steel railings that used to block the view. "Glass railings" make possible a "panorama view" that allows residents to enjoy the outside scenery from the living room without obstruction. They are also easy to maintain. Steel railings corrode in rain and snow, requiring periodic rust removal and repainting. In contrast, glass railings are highly durable, with no concern about corrosion or discoloration, allowing them to remain in clean condition.
A real estate industry official said, "As competition to specialize exteriors intensifies, the aesthetic value of glass that can instantly capture consumers' attention is being reappreciated," adding, "Glass is more than a simple material; it is the most powerful design that expresses a complex's identity and luxury."
Indoors, performance is as important as design when it comes to glass. That is because technologies that prevent heat loss through windows and block external noise are directly connected to the quality of living. This can dramatically reduce cooling costs in summer and heating costs in winter, and even prevent condensation caused by temperature differences between indoors and outdoors. Recently built apartments commonly apply "triple Low-E glass" to maximize effects such as insulation and soundproofing.
Furthermore, glass is evolving beyond merely saving energy to a stage where it generates energy on its own. Solar panels installed on rooftops or exterior walls of apartments are a prime example. In a broad sense, solar panels are "power-generating glass," with "special tempered glass" as the key.
Kwon Il, Head of Team at Real Estate Info Research, said, "View rights, openness, and energy efficiency—the value of experiences residents feel every day—are the key factors that determine home prices," adding, "Glass is the most direct means of satisfying all these values, and the glass applied within a complex is the value that proves an apartment's premium."
In the new presale market, apartments that can enjoy a premium through glass are drawing attention. In Doosan We've & Sujin Bupyeong The First, which Doosan Construction plans to sell in September through a consortium with BS Hanyang as part of the Bugae District 4 dwellings redevelopment maintenance project in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon, a curtain wall look is applied for a sophisticated appearance, and glass railings are planned when balconies are extended. Solar energy for energy savings will also be introduced. It will be built as a large complex with a total of 1,299 households, of which 514 units for general sale are exclusive areas of 46㎡, 59㎡, and 74㎡.
In addition, in Gwangmyeong, Gyeonggi, Hyundai E&C plans to sell "Hillstate Gwangmyeong 11 (working title)" in October through the Gwangmyeong 11R dwellings redevelopment project in Gwangmyeong New Town. Glass railings will be applied, and some buildings are also slated to feature a curtain wall look. There will be a total of 4,291 households, of which 652 households are planned for general sale.
In the provinces, "Hanwha Foreena Ulsan Mugeo (a total of 816 households)," scheduled for sale in September in Nam-gu, Ulsan, is planned with an exterior curtain wall look and glass railings. "Benube Haeundae (660 households)," to be supplied in the same month to U-dong District 2 in Haeundae, Busan, is also slated to feature a curtain wall look and glass railings.