Give a building a new use
We review the current building and intended use, including access, layout and the structural and building-services conditions that need further investigation.
SERVICE 04
Existing Building Renovation
A new use for an existing building, from planning to design and construction.
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OUR APPROACH
A new use for an existing building, from planning to design and construction.
We discuss commercial, residential, stay and hanok projects through the life and operation they need to support. We identify what should remain, what should change and which reviews are needed before agreeing the scope, budget and schedule.
WHEN WE CAN HELP
We can join your project
at any of these stages.
Renovate a hanok
We discuss the qualities to preserve and the changes required, then review existing elements, circulation, services and finishes for the intended use.
Plan a stay or accommodation space
We consider guests, rooms, shared spaces, housekeeping and management alongside building conditions and the direction of the brand.
SCOPE
We connect the required work
into one continuous process.
Strategy & Existing Conditions
We review available drawings, the current use, desired changes and budget, and agree which surveys, technical checks and approval-related reviews are required.
Architecture & Interior Design
We plan what to retain or change, developing layouts, circulation, facades, materials, lighting, furniture and building-services relationships.
Operation, Branding & Schedule
We coordinate the agreed branding and signage scope with operation, fabrication and construction milestones.
Construction & Site Management
Within the agreed scope, Atelier SOW undertakes construction and manages schedule and quality. Conditions discovered during work are discussed together with their cost and programme implications.
RELATED PROJECTS
Published examples of
existing-building reuse
Jugyo Station and Cozimory are cafe projects created by adapting existing buildings. Explore what was retained and how a new use was introduced. These are not completed hanok or accommodation projects.
PROCESS
From the first question
to decisions on site
Initial Consultation
Tell us the location, current use, intended changes, budget and preferred schedule.
Review & Scope
We review drawings and site conditions, then define investigations, design work and construction scope.
Design & Programme
We develop the space and details and agree fabrication, construction and pricing conditions.
Construction & Completion
We deliver the agreed work, review site changes and manage progress and quality through completion.
BEFORE WE BEGIN
Before changing an existing building,
five things to discuss
Whether you have chosen a building or are considering a candidate, tell us what you know. You can start a conversation without drawings or a confirmed budget.
Location and current use
Where is the building, and how is it used today? An address or approximate location is a useful starting point.
Information about the space
Share any drawings or site photographs you already have. Missing information can be identified together as something to review.
The use you have in mind
Are you planning a cafe, shop or stay? Tell us who will use the space and how it will be operated.
What to retain or change
Tell us what you value and what needs to change, from a view or material to a circulation problem.
Preferred schedule and budget
Share your intended opening period and budget range. If these are not decided, tell us which stage you are at.
You do not need to have all five ready.
The scope of structural, building-services and approval-related reviews is defined after reviewing the available information and site.
Start a conversation with what you knowBEFORE YOU ASK
Questions often asked
at the first inquiry
01Can we consult before buying or leasing?
Yes. Share the location, current use, available drawings or photographs and your intended changes. Feasibility depends on the individual building and the necessary reviews.
02Can you immediately confirm major alterations or a change of use?
Photographs or floor area alone are not enough. We first review the existing information and intended changes. The required reviews, responsibilities and scope for approvals and structural assessment are agreed before work starts.
03How are cost and duration determined?
They depend on existing conditions and the agreed design and construction scope. We identify retained and replaced elements before reviewing the budget and schedule. Hanok and stay projects follow the same project-specific process.
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