House K is a home nestled within the scenic landscape of Wimi-ri, Jeju Island. A couple residing in Seoul began this project with the dream of escaping the daily routine of city life and finding rest in nature, as they envisioned their children becoming independent in a few years. They chose this plot of land with the intention of settling here in the future.
The land is long in the north-south direction, with the sea visible in the south and Hallasan Mountain to the north. Surrounded by tangerine orchards and stone walls, the beauty of Jeju’s landscape enhances the charm of the site. The couple requested a spacious and open home that would bring the surrounding views indoors, providing a refreshing experience. The plot has a height difference of 2.5 meters from south to north and a slope of 1.8 meters from east to west. These natural features were thoughtfully incorporated into the design, allowing the terrain to be respected while offering diverse views from within the house.
The house is composed of two masses, each using different structures and materials to achieve both contrast and harmony. The two-story mass on the west side, built with reinforced concrete, exudes a strong and grand presence, while the single-story mass on the east side, made with a lightweight wooden structure, creates a lighter, more charming atmosphere. These two masses are offset at an angle, creating shadows that add depth to the facades. The resulting space between the two masses leads to a porch in front of the entrance and a central garden visible from the entrance. This area serves as a cozy resting space while naturally guiding the flow of movement. The central garden, visible through the large window of the entrance, plays a key role in the first impression of the home.
The exterior walls of the single-story mass feature different brick patterns, adding texture to the facade. The intersecting gable roof forms a rhythmic silhouette when viewed from a distance. The outdoor space seamlessly connects the garden and deck, with red gravel tying the color scheme of the exterior together. Black basalt stones were used to create a walking path over the gravel. The junction between the two masses is highlighted with a metallic finish and paint, emphasizing their separation.
Inside, the levels of the spaces reflect the natural topography, resulting in varying ceiling heights and a rich sense of spatial variety. The first floor houses the kitchen, dining room, living room, and the couple's bedroom, each positioned at different heights to capture external views. The flow from the kitchen to the dining area, with tangerine orchards and the central garden as the backdrop, gives a sense of visual expansion. The kitchen is also connected to the BBQ area on the northern side of the land, allowing the family to enjoy outdoor activities.
The second floor contains a space for the couple’s hobbies and a guest room, along with a small terrace facing the sea to the south. The stairs leading up to the second floor are lined with large windows, offering a view of the tangerine orchards to the north. The family room, with a high ceiling, serves as a place for the couple to enjoy their hobby of audio listening and relaxation. Narrow windows on either side of the room allow the views to be enjoyed from inside. For the wife, who enjoys yoga, a traditional Korean-style floor seating area is provided, offering an unobstructed view of the southern sea beyond the tangerine fields.