Firm behind Cheongdam Le El eyes Nowon's Wolgye Siyeong reconstruction project

Nau Dongin Architects, the firm behind the high-end Cheongdam Le El apartment complex in Gangnam, has entered the competition for the design contract for the Wolgye Siyeong high-rise apartment reconstruction project in Nowon-gu.

According to industry sources Monday, Nau Dongin officially submitted a design proposal to the project's association establishment preparatory committee on Tuesday. The Wolgye Siyeong high-rise complex currently comprises 3,930 units and is slated for redevelopment into a large-scale mixed-use residential complex of around 6,000 units rising up to 50 stories.

The proposal includes strategies for differentiated building placement, secured views and visual corridors, specialized floor plans, and integration of community and commercial facilities.

Nau Dongin is drawing on its track record in premium residential and redevelopment projects — including Apgujeong Zone 3, Trimaje in Seongsu-dong, Cheongdam Le El, Samik and Gongjakk in Yeouido, Mokdong Sinsigage complexes 4, 10 and 14, and Songpa Ogeum Hyundai — with plans to transform Wolgye Siyeong into a landmark development for northeastern Seoul.

The firm highlighted its deep familiarity with the site as a key strength. "We have been supporting the establishment of the redevelopment plan for Wolgye Siyeong together with urban planning firm Sejong Corporation," a Nau Dongin official said. "We have a precise understanding of the complex's characteristics and the needs of landowners and rights holders, which allows us to put forward a highly realistic and polished proposal."

The official added that the firm had prepared its design with the site's locational value and surrounding infrastructure connectivity in mind, and that a formal design plan and project vision would be unveiled through a general meeting booklet to be distributed later.

Meanwhile, prices at the Wolgye Siyeong high-rise complex — comprising the Miryung, Miseong and Samho 3rd-phase buildings — have been rising as the redevelopment project gains momentum. On Aug. 1, a 59-square-meter unit changed hands at 1.2 billion won ($867,000), setting a record high.