Samsung C&T submits bid for first 'Next Remodeling' project at Banpo Prugio

Samsung C&T's construction division said Monday it has submitted a bid proposal for the remodeling of Banpo Prugio apartment complex, outlining its "Next Remodeling" plan for the project.

Samsung C&T was selected in March as the preferred negotiating contractor by the Banpo Prugio Remodeling Housing Association and submitted its bid proposal last month. The association is set to hold a general meeting on Oct. 24 to select a contractor.

Next Remodeling is a new urban regeneration concept Samsung C&T proposed last year. It retains the existing structural framework of aging apartment buildings while fully replacing mechanical and other facilities to upgrade residential performance, and overhauls both the interior and exterior design to deliver a high-end living environment.

Compared with conventional reconstruction, redevelopment or expansion-type remodeling, the approach offers a shorter project timeline — including permitting and construction — and greater project stability. Its most distinctive feature is that, upon completion, the complex receives a new construction date, effectively becoming a newly built Raemian development.

Samsung C&T applied this concept specifically to Banpo Prugio, the first site under the Next Remodeling initiative. The 84-square-meter unit — widely known as the "national standard" floor plan — has served as the benchmark layout for apartment housing for more than 30 years, but its function-driven, uniform structure has made it difficult to accommodate the diverse lifestyles of residents.

"N.Canvas" is a unit-level specialized model that evolves the floor plan of existing apartments. Samsung C&T challenged the conventional assumption that remodeling wall-frame apartment buildings precludes layout changes such as relocating bathrooms, and developed proprietary two-bay and three-bay remodeling floor plan models for 84-square-meter units, securing design rights for both.

For Banpo Prugio, the company proposed two customized two-bay layouts for the 84-square-meter type: a "Suite" type emphasizing rest and recovery in the master bedroom, and a "Lounge" type that places the kitchen and dining area at the front of the unit.

Both layouts replace swing doors with sliding doors throughout to maximize space, and are designed so that the bedroom, living room and kitchen can be flexibly combined or separated as needed. Secondary spaces — the entryway, bathroom, laundry room and corridor — which had previously been reduced to mere passageways or purely functional areas, were reimagined as key feature spaces, incorporating a spacious entryway, a hotel-style bathroom with a view-facing window, an indoor laundry area and a gallery-style corridor, all aimed at maximizing residential comfort.

The proposal also incorporates hidden-detail finishes optimized for remodeling, slim-profile appliances, a built-in storage system and floor soundproofing materials. External insulation and open balconies expand usable floor area and improve energy efficiency at the same time.

"N.Commons" is a common-area specialization model that restructures the complex's shared spaces — including underground levels currently used only for parking — into a three-dimensional integrated living platform designed to enrich residents' daily experiences. Samsung C&T fully redesigned the circulation and functions of the common areas with resident safety, convenience and efficiency in mind, while also preparing the complex for future mobility environments.

For Banpo Prugio, the company proposed an AI premium parking solution alongside a robotic valet system option to maximize parking convenience. A five-story standalone community facility and private amenities within the underground space were also included. All advanced smart systems throughout the complex will be integrated and controlled through a single interface via Samsung C&T's home platform "Homenic."

The building's exterior is designed with a signature panoramic facade finished entirely in stone, enhancing its landmark presence. A high-performance exterior insulation system called "Green Shield" has been incorporated to improve energy efficiency and residential performance.

"Next Remodeling is about using Samsung C&T's technology and design capabilities to give aging apartments genuine value that exceeds that of new construction," said Park In-sook, vice president and head of Samsung C&T's remodeling team. "Going forward, we will work to make this a practical remodeling solution that customers want, and to establish it as one of the pillars of urban regeneration and new housing supply."