The Ring and Greenhouse A new way of living on Incheon's Yellow Sea coast

(2024 - 2029)

Riva is a new 84‑hectare neighbourhood on Incheon's Yellow Sea coast.

Together with internationally renowned architects MVRDV and Bjarke Ingels Group, Favre Design Studio has formed a design collective where each practice has been responsible for a portion of the site as well as an iconic building with a social program that will serve as a cornerstone within its respective district. This first phase consists of nearly 1,000 homes, 100,000 m² of biodiverse green space, and a new school alongside cultural, retail, hospitality, and wellness facilities.

Favre Design Studio’s area, Greenhouse, includes The Ring and approximately 400 residences, along with selected retail spaces and offices.

The Ring takes its name from its dramatic circular form, which is almost floating across the river, providing a sanctuary for experiencing nature. Spanning the valley in a perfect circle, The Ring delivers a model of sustainable living, from the wellness practices of its Longevity Center to its light-touch architecture. Stables and allotments sit beside the river, supporting ecological learning and local food systems.

The related residences include a range of living sizes and typologies, all emphasizing layered relationships with nature and community. These are separated into 5 smaller communities of 50 – 80 residences whose identities are formed by their unique landscape qualities and program mix. However, all the residences reflect the region’s architectural heritage. All the smaller communities host shared amenities, such recreation facilities, open to all residents and visitors. Digital systems are integrated across the neighbourhood to support comfort, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

The Ion Riva masterplan is shaped by the site’s natural ecology, where forest, river and sea meet. Homes and public spaces follow the contours of the land, maximising views to the coastline and valley while keeping intervention to a minimum. The material palette prioritises locally sourced stone and timber, with modular construction enabling efficient delivery and lower embodied carbon across the homes.

The low-impact approach is continued using on-site renewable energy, including solar panels with grid integration, and green infrastructure that regulates microclimates and improves air quality. Rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems are designed to cut potable water demand by 50% and are integrated into low-irrigation landscaping.

Walkability underpins the layout of the neighbourhood, with homes and everyday amenities connected by short routes that follow the landscape. Shaded paths and biodiverse green corridors link the site, creating a continuous experience of movement, nature and community. Recreation, play and wellbeing are supported through a network of parks, green spaces, trails and sports facilities integrated across the masterplan.

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