korean architect moon hoon has completed a building in seoul?s historic center, which serves as the headquarters of a sesame oil company. surrounded by other properties of various sizes, the complex site is located in a quiet neighborhood near dongdaemun market ? an area that also hosts the zaha hadid-designed ?DDP cultural multiplex?.

 
 
?when I was serving as a rookie private in the korean army I made a good friend with a sergeant who was very kind and open minded,? explains moon hoon, who designed the project alongside moohoi. ?we ran into each other few years ago on the street near my home and was informed that he had started a sesame oil business which was based on a new approach. to my surprise, in 2017, he visited my office and commissioned a headquarter building for his business, which included a flagship store and a factory.?
 
 
as the business is called queens bucket, moon hoon designed a series of stacked bucket-shaped volumes that reached the building?s height limit. the form was then manipulated in order to maximize floor space, allow natural light to enter, and comply with building codes. two underground floors are used for storage and as lounge area for casual talks and meetings. meanwhile a freight elevator connects the lower levels to the storeys above.

 
 
the high-ceilinged ground floor serves as the company?s flagship store, while a mezzanine level functions as a showroom. ?the micro flagship shop exhibits many golden sesame products which ar...