A rendering of the integrated reconstruction project for Special Improvement Zone A-17 in Pyeongchon new town. [Heelim General Architecture Office]
A rendering of the integrated reconstruction project for Special Improvement Zone A-17 in Pyeongchon new town. [Heelim General Architecture Office]

Heelim General Architecture Office announced Wednesday it has been selected as the designer for the integrated reconstruction project at Special Improvement Zone A-17 in Pyeongchon new town, Dongan-gu, Anyang, Gyeonggi Province — the first designer appointment for a first-generation new town reconstruction project since the Special Act on Aging Planned Cities took effect.

Heelim entered the bid in a consortium with Samha Architecture and secured the design contract after receiving 1,081 votes in an owner ballot, capturing a 78.6 percent approval rate.

Zone A-17 corresponds to the Gwiin Block, a pilot redevelopment district within Pyeongchon new town's first-generation development area. It comprises four complexes — Kkumaul Kumho, Hanshin, Life and Hyundai.

The zone currently holds 1,750 units and is set to be redeveloped into a complex of up to 49 floors with a total of 2,875 units. Hana Asset Trust is serving as the project operator.

Heelim has been involved in the project since the urban improvement planning stage. The firm's selection as designer is expected to accelerate subsequent steps, including the appointment of a contractor.

Heelim proposed a layout using a minimum of 12 building blocks to achieve south-facing orientation for all units. The design also secures views toward Moraksan, Surisan, Gwanaksan and Cheonggyesan, allowing every household to enjoy a view premium.

The firm also designed the complex so that views are distributed evenly across all units rather than concentrated in select households. Heelim said it expects this approach to have a positive effect on the overall asset value of the complex.

The unit plan includes three-sided open terraces. Each unit is allocated roughly 2.5 pyeong (about 8.3 square meters) of education- and senior-themed community space, and parking has been planned at 2.0 spaces per unit. A triple sky community with 360-degree panoramic views is proposed as the complex's landmark feature.

Heelim has previously handled major Seoul reconstruction projects including Apgujeong District 3, Banpo Mido 1st, Hannam Heights and the Daechi Eunma apartment complex. More recently, the firm has expanded its urban renewal portfolio by winning contracts for Mokdong complexes 1, 12 and 14, as well as the Gwangmyeong Cheolsan 13 complex.

The company also highlighted its dedicated permitting team. Heelim said it completed the integrated review for the Eunma apartment project in two months and obtained project implementation authorization in about 40 days, while Banpo Mido 1st cleared its integrated review within eight months of the association's establishment.

"With our selection as the first designer for this pilot-district reconstruction project, we expect demand to grow among other pilot districts — those still ahead of bidding and general owner meetings — for design firms with a strong track record in urban renewal and proven permitting capabilities," a Heelim official said.


quq@heraldcorp.com