Built for a local Jeju Island couple, Casa Gaia by Studio Gaon fully embraces the natural elements that surround the South Korean island. Situated along the coast on a patch of land between the volcanic cone Goesalme and the jade-colored sea, the home is a vision of sobriety and discretion, its simple oval-shaped structure entirely lowered into the ground so that the rooftop lies at ground level, leaving unobstructed views of the sea from the adjacent road.
The sea-facing facade is reinforced with Jeju Island’s local black stone, known to withstand the harsh sea breeze and the temperament of coastal weather. Stepping into the home unveils a simple, practical layout that complement its owners’ daily movements, with a single hallway leading towards the living area, two bedrooms and bath. Large picture windows and sliding glass doors frame the dramatic views from the inside, creating a constant visual connection to the landscape. “The interior space made of a gentle curved wall is warm like a calm mother’s arms, and is filled with the sun, wind, and sea that is the nature of Jeju,” the architecture studio enthuses. More projects by the Seoul-based studio on their website.
Photography © Youngkwan Kim for Studio Gaon