Seogwang-ri is a small village located in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, on the southwestern coast of Jeju Island. Within a 2 km radius from the site, a residential area, known as the "English Village," has been developed around an international school, attracting many people from outside the region. However, the surrounding area still retains the quiet and peaceful rural charm unique to Jeju. The client, having settled in Jeju with their family after leaving their life on the mainland, was preparing for the next step in establishing deeper roots on the island.
From the beginning of the planning process, the client envisioned a main house for their personal residence and a separate annex that could be used as a private rental house (rural guesthouse). In the annex, the client wanted to experience spaces, materials, and gardens that were entirely different from those in conventional homes.
### A Courtyard with Various Stories
The site was relatively large compared to the required floor area, and we carefully considered the relationship between the building and the courtyard. Rather than a vast, single courtyard, we aimed to create a more dynamic and rhythmic experience through the division of the space into several smaller courtyards, each serving a distinct role. To achieve this, the building was arranged in a cross-shaped layout, dividing the courtyard into four distinct areas. The courtyard was designed to embrace the natural features of Jeju and utilize both the internal and external spaces effectively. This resulted in four thematic courtyards: the shady courtyard, the parking courtyard, the grassy courtyard, and the moss courtyard.
### An Annex Thoughtful of Guests
The main concern was to design the main house and annex in a way that would preserve privacy while allowing for natural communication between the two. To achieve this, the main house was positioned close to the entrance road, while the annex was placed deeper into the site, offering a more secluded and tranquil environment for guests. However, this created an issue where guests would inevitably pass through the main house to reach the annex. This problem was addressed by separating the entrances of the main house and annex. Guests park in a designated parking area on the northern side of the site and enjoy a scenic journey along a charming pathway (Olle road) leading to the annex. The trees along this path provide a calming, welcoming atmosphere for guests, while also serving as a natural screen that shields the main house from view. To further protect the family’s privacy, the living room is placed at the southernmost part of the building, and the most private spaces, such as the bedrooms, are located on the second floor. This arrangement allows both the family and the guests to coexist while respecting each other's privacy.
The client’s desire for guests to experience unique spaces and materials is reflected in the interior and exterior finishes, furniture, and overall spatial composition. The client consulted with a wood expert to carefully select wood species based on the intended use and properties of the materials. Around four different types of wood (Merbau, Yellow Cedar, Apzelia, and High-Grade Wood) were used for finishing the interior and exterior, creating a warm, environmentally friendly atmosphere. Over time, these woods will naturally age, accumulating a history much like the growth rings of a tree, and will become a legacy of the space.
### A House Resembling Jeju’s Oreum (Volcanic Hill)
The most distinctive feature of "Sowuju" is that it has six gabled roofs, a rare design compared to typical houses, which usually have one or two. While the design might appear familiar to some, the building needed a certain level of commercial appeal to function as a vacation stay, so we aimed for a more unique architectural aesthetic rather than a simple design. The six gabled roofs create an interesting, dynamic skyline, reminiscent of Jeju’s oreum (small volcanic hills). Inside, the high ceiling heights create a sense of openness, and the use of attic space allows for a rich vertical experience. Additionally, by extending the eaves beyond the wall line, natural rainwater drainage is possible, eliminating the need for gutters and contributing to a clean, streamlined exterior design.
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