The Kolon One & Only Tower in Seoul, designed by Morphosis, features a folded facade made from a high-tech fiber used in the production of bulletproof vests. Thom Mayne, founder of Morphosis and Pritzker Prize-winning architect, collaborated with Kolon, a textile manufacturer in Korea, to create a new research facility that incorporates the company's own advanced materials into its facade.
Aramid, a reinforced fiber produced by Kolon that is five times stronger than steel, is the preferred Morphosis material for the interconnected shading system. It is used in everything from bulletproof vests to aircraft parts.
The facade, which has no visible support structures, rests on the glazed exterior of the west-facing main facade, overlooking Magok Park, Seoul's new technology district. Chief architect Eui-Sung Yi stated, “The new research and development facility for Kolon sets the standard for sustainable design and construction in the developing Magok district.”
“Our team, inspired by Kolon’s weather-resistant layered performance wear, worked with engineers and manufacturers to apply a series of performance-driven vertical layers that challenge the traditional approach to sun-shading design, enhancing the building's sustainability,” he added.
Along with its self-shading facade, the Kolon One & Only Tower features sustainable design elements such as solar panels and green roofs, achieving a LEED Gold certification. Morphosis utilized balloon deck technology, which uses 30% less concrete than standard panels by adding plastic balls to the material, and in appropriate areas, recycled materials.
The folded volume includes three laboratory wings that bridge, housing conference rooms and social spaces for staff. The ground level is accessible to the public, providing a space to interact with the Kolon brand.
A central atrium, located 100 meters from the center of the building, is framed with translucent panels, allowing natural light to enter the building. A large central staircase, inspired by the Spanish Steps in Rome, descends from the hall, which is covered with 400-meter-long panels showcasing Kolon’s materials.
The steps are designed to serve as a "vertical courtyard," where employees can meet each other and host year-end company meetings. The research facility also features open courtyards and rooftop terraces for workers to take breaks outdoors.
