Architects: Nikken Sekkei, Heerim Architects & Planners
Area: 25,068 m²
Year: 2023
Photography: Park Wansoon, Kim YongKwan
Architects: NIKKEN SEKKEI LTD, Heerim Architects & Planners Co., Ltd.
City: Seongnam
Country: South Korea
HD Hyundai Global R&D Center designed by Nikken Sekkei and Heerim Architects & Planners in Seongnam, South Korea, integrates 17 HD Hyundai Group companies into a unified smart R&D office. Completed in 2023, the 25,068 m² building emphasizes “CUBE,” “VOID,” and “GRID” concepts to foster intellectual creativity and unity. The design includes sustainable features, such as natural lighting, ventilation, and advanced thermal systems, promoting a comfortable and energy-efficient environment.
The HD Hyundai Global R&D Center is a smart office in Seongnam, 30 km south of Seoul, integrating 17 HD Hyundai Group companies. Approximately 5,000 researchers work in this facility, which emphasizes “CUBE,” “VOID,” and “GRID” concepts to foster intellectual creativity and unity within the group.
The symbolic facade features a three-dimensional “SMART CUBE” design, consisting of 20 x 20 x 20 modules of 4.5 m cubes. The steel outer frame, visible from all directions, reflects HD Hyundai’s identity and environmental commitment. The cubic design reduces the building’s heat load and enhances structural stability with a fire-resistant CFT (Concrete-Filled Tube) structure.
“SMART VOID” is a central void space connecting the entire facility, promoting communication and reducing energy use through natural lighting and ventilation. A stepped communication deck around the void facilitates movement and interaction among employees, encouraging innovation.
The “SMART GRID” features a 4.5-meter outer-frame grid that maximizes office space efficiency and environmental performance by shielding against solar radiation. The grid-shaped ceiling accommodates partition changes and includes radiant heating, cooling, and a chilled beam system for a comfortable thermal environment. The ventilation system supplies outside air through the ceiling and returns it through the floor, ensuring efficient air circulation.
Evidence-based engineering supports a decarbonized society by creating a comfortable indoor environment. Innovations include large-scale water thermal storage, on-site solar power generation, and daily performance monitoring. A DC power distribution system, developed by HD Hyundai, supplies power for office lighting and electric heat pumps, minimizing AC-DC conversion loss and supporting future expansion.
Project Gallery
Project Location
Address: 477 Bundangsuseo, Bundang District, Seongnam, Gyeonggi, South Korea
Location is for general reference and may represent a city or country, not necessarily a precise address.
