SPACE July 2026 (No. 704)
Jeju has a strong regional identity. In terms of its architectural context, this regional identity is generally demonstrated via the use of basalt. Basalt stone walls extend into building structures, and processed stone is transformed into cladding that covers concrete. Ironically, however, locals born and raised in Jeju have a love-hate relationship with basalt. Most clients see basalt as a material that creates humid environments and make requests to avoid using them except when building stone walls. Due to its high absorption rate, basalt easily develops moss and can become a haven for insects, and so it is only natural that people would want to stay away from it for the sake of comfortable living environments. While mainland Koreans might see basalt as Jeju’s defining element, it would be more sensible to adopt a different perspective to capture the true regional character of Jeju.
Due to its maritime climate and open terrain on all sides, Jeju is strongly influenced by humidity and wind. These are critical factors to consider when observing Jeju architecture. It was therefore only natural that the client of Ara O-wall House requested a courtyard that would be less exposed to the wind. However, instead of simply creating a sheltered courtyard, we decided to make use of the wind. By drawing wind into the low-level garden space situated between the basement and the second floor, we implemented evaporative cooling, so that the cooled air from the garden flows into the central courtyard and keeps the adjacent courtyards cool as well.
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Architect
Rieuldorang Architects (Kim Seongyoul)
Design team
Bae Seongyong, Cho Jeongyeon
Location
Ara-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, Korea
Programme
single house
Site area
726.45㎡
Building area
142.96㎡
Gross floor area
319.14㎡
Building scope
B1, 3F
Parking
3
Height
7.98m
Building to land ratio
19.68%
Floor area ratio
43.93%
Structure
RC
Exterior finishing
porcelain tile
Interior finishing
plastering
Structural engineer
SDM PARTNERS
Mechanical and electrical engineer
JS ENG
Construction
G.A.U Archi_Factory Inc.
Design period
Sep. 2019 – Jan. 2021
Construction period
Apr. 2021 – Aug. 2022
Client
Go Sungju, Kim Jiyoung
Kim Seongyoul
Kim Seongyoul has led Rieuldorang Architects since 2013, and has served as an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Architecture at both Dong-eui University and Pusan National University. In 2020, he was recognised as an invited artist at the Busan Museum of Contemporary Art exhibition ‘Revolution, Urbanistically’, and continues to work as a planning and exhibition programmer for the Busan International Architecture Festival. He begins each design from a new perspective that moves beyond established conventions, conveying architectural intent through a simple, clear language and form. He builds from the conviction that architecture gains social vitality when it carries language and meaning, and is elevated to art when it draws out a poetic sensibility.
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