As the redevelopment market is being reshaped by reconstruction regulations and rising construction costs, Korea's construction industry has moved to preempt the market by unveiling a "Remodeling 2.0" strategy that goes beyond the limits of existing remodeling.
The Korea Remodeling Convergence Society (Remodeling Society) and the Architectural Institute of Korea held a seminar on future remodeling strategies under the theme "Fundamentalism, Remodeling 2.0: seeking an authentic and sustainable residential future" at 2:30 p.m. on the 3rd in Basement Level 1 of the Architectural Institute of Korea Architecture Center in Bangbae-dong, Seoul. About 150 people from academia, construction companies, and policy circles attended.
In the first presentation session, remodeling managers from major builders such as Samsung C&T, Hyundai Engineering & Construction, and POSCO E&C took part to introduce each company's latest technologies and business models.
The first presentation, given by Director Lim Jong-jin of the POSCO E&C Building Research Group, explained a "lightweight timber-structure-based vertical extension system." Director Lim said, "The biggest reason vertical extensions have not taken off is the structural limitation that additional loads concentrate on existing pile foundations," adding, "Reducing the load of the superstructure is the key solution."
Director Lim emphasized that applying a conceptual design using a "CLT" floor system—an advanced high-strength, lightweight material made by cross-laminating timber panels—instead of concrete slabs can reduce the load of the vertically extended portion by about 60% compared with existing methods.
Lim said, "Timber structures are environmentally friendly materials that store carbon, and factory prefabrication can also shorten construction time," and noted, "If institutional improvements and technological advancement proceed in tandem, this can become a practical alternative for vertical extensions."
Samsung C&T presented "Next Remodeling," a next-generation major-renovation model that excludes extensions. Song Hyeong-min, a professional staff member on Samsung C&T's construction division remodeling team, said, "For third-generation apartments completed since the 2000s, extension-type remodeling is not highly effective structurally," analyzing that "a new approach is needed to completely reconfigure space, services, and technology while retaining the frame."
Samsung C&T's Next Remodeling centers on the following core businesses: ▲ floor plan improvements through spatial reinterpretation ▲ customized high-end interiors ▲ artificial intelligence (AI) and platform-based residential services ▲ exterior insulation energy-saving systems.
Song explained, "By omitting civil works, demolition, and extension construction, the secured expense can be focused on upgrading the product," adding, "The project period can also be shortened to about half that of conventional reconstruction."
Samsung C&T proposed a solution to maximize the marketability of remodeled complexes and create value beyond that of newly built apartments. Beyond simple replacement of interior and exterior finishes, the company plans to apply Samsung C&T's state-of-the-art AI-based smart home technology to existing buildings. By overcoming the limits of existing frames through facade design and floor plan composition, the company will also apply the Raemian brand to remodeled complexes to maximize asset value.
Hyundai Engineering & Construction introduced "The New House," a new business model described as "remodeling without relocation." Head of Team Lee Hyeong-deok of Hyundai Engineering & Construction's major renovation and remodeling team said, "The New House improves overall residential environments in a complex without resident relocation, reducing the burden of reconstruction and extension-type remodeling," adding, "Our strategy is to raise complex value through exterior and landscaping upgrades, community space expansion, and reallocating idle sites, while minimizing inconvenience to residents."
Head of Team Lee also proposed shortening construction periods by using modular methods and securing additional parking spaces by introducing parking robots. Lee explained, "This is a practical alternative even for complexes where reconstruction is difficult or where extension remodeling has low business viability," adding, "To reduce resident burdens, we are also exploring ways with financial institutions to lower the shared charges."
The second-part expert discussion was chaired by Professor Kim Seon-suk of Ajou University's Department of Architecture, with Deputy Director Oh Yun-taek of the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's Green Architecture Division; Professor Oh Joon-geol of Seoul National University of Science and Technology's School of Architecture; Park Ju-saeng, head of the Wood Industry Research Division at the National Institute of Forest Science; and Park Se-hee, CEO of Jian Architects, participating.
CEO Park pointed out that extension-centered remodeling has reached its limits due to business viability and relocation burdens. In particular, Park analyzed that for apartments built since the 2000s and for aged complexes in provincial areas, customized remodeling that improves residential performance without relocation is a practical alternative.
Park said, "Customized remodeling also has strong policy justification in terms of carbon neutrality and residential welfare," adding, "Because it reduces embodied carbon by using existing frames and improves energy efficiency through insulation and equipment replacement, it aligns with the government's carbon neutrality and ESG policies."
Park continued, "Without a refined legal, financial, and project-actor framework, there are limits to activating customized remodeling," emphasizing, "The legal system is fragmented, and since projects cannot proceed on long-term repair reserves alone, institutional support is needed, including financial assistance and specialized PM organizations."
Remodeling Society President Shin Dong-u said, "It is time to expand not only extension-type remodeling but also customized major renovations and green remodeling in various forms," adding, "I hope today's seminar will serve as a starting point to remove institutional barriers and establish practical technology strategies."
Architectural Institute of Korea President Park Jin-cheol said, "In the past, remodeling was seen as little more than interior work, but it has now emerged as a powerful alternative that shortens schedules and reduces carbon compared with reconstruction," emphasizing, "With more than 40% of buildings now over 30 years old, remodeling is a key driver to improve residential culture and revitalize the construction economy."