Jeju Wollyeong CAVE Villa / JYA-RCHITECTS

Architects: JYA-RCHITECTS
Area: 140 m²
Year: 2022
Photographs: Hong Kiwoong, Lee Byunggeun
Lead Architects: Jo Janghee, Won Youmin
Structure Engineering: Hangil Structure
M/E/P Engineering: Jungyeon Engineering
Construction: Inwhale
Schematic Design: Seong Jjieun
Drawing Development: Seong Jjieun
Interior Design: Seong Jjieun
Technical Drawing: Seong Jjieun
Supervision: Seong Jjieun
Program / Use / Building Function: Villa
City: Jeju City
Country: South Korea

Jeju Wollyeong CAVE Villa, designed by JYA-RCHITECTS, provides travelers with extraordinary sensory experiences in a unique setting. Located in South Korea’s only cactus habitat on Jeju Island, the villa’s design emphasizes the tactile and visual engagement of guests with the environment. By separating functional spaces, the villa encourages visitors to connect deeply with their surroundings and appreciate the natural beauty of Jeju Island.

Jeju wollyeong cave villa / jya-rchitects

When travelers journey to new places and stay in accommodations, they expect extraordinary experiences that are not easily achievable in ordinary spaces or their daily lives. What would be distinct experiences rooted in ordinary spaces? Human beings have constantly developed their residential spaces to integrate and connect the functions of each section. For example, cooking, dining, and living spaces have been combined to become an LDK. Consequently, rooms and bathrooms have evolved dramatically based on standardized criteria, with rooms typically oriented to face south and bathrooms designed mainly for functionality.

In this evolution of daily spaces, even the senses have become unified. The integration of eating, seeing, and cooking activities blends the senses of taste, touch, and smell, making it difficult to fully immerse in each sense. Bathrooms without natural light and airflow limit us to merely cleansing our bodies, confining our sensory experience. Wollyeong CAVE was designed to provide visitors with unique experiences by allowing them to engage more deeply with their often-overlooked senses. Wollyeong CAVE is located in South Korea’s only cactus habitat, offering picturesque views of the blue sky, crystal-clear sea, and lush green cactus fields. The functions of Wollyeong CAVE were meticulously planned to allow visitors to focus on individual senses, leveraging the unique conditions of its setting.

Jeju wollyeong cave villa / jya-rchitects

The design of Wollyeong CAVE draws inspiration from the primitive and rough characteristics of a cave. The exterior, composed of large stones irregularly piled, gives a rugged appearance. To highlight the contrast between visual observation and close interaction, the surface was deliberately textured, encouraging visitors to touch and feel its roughness. Three different manual techniques were used to process the exterior, creating a sense of inconsistency and primitiveness. Upon entering the rough, gray mass of Wollyeong CAVE, visitors find a monotone internal space defined by the controlled use of colors and materials.

Jeju wollyeong cave villa / jya-rchitects

The internal space is organized around a central area, dividing it into a living room, dining room, bathroom, bedroom, and other spaces. This layout allows visitors to focus on the unique sensations experienced in each area. The living room is close enough to the outdoor cactus field to touch the cacti by hand. The deep green cacti and their red flowers provide a stark contrast to the gray interior and exterior of Wollyeong CAVE. Additionally, an indoor pool with a ray of light from the ceiling enhances the tactile and visual stimuli, emphasizing the interplay of water and light in the cave-like setting.

These extraordinary spaces offer views of the blue sky and sea through high, thick walls, and the sound and smell of firewood burning during bonfire gatherings. These elements help visitors appreciate unique sensory experiences and listen more attentively to their companions. The monotone style of Wollyeong CAVE minimizes distractions, allowing guests to fully immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Jeju Island — the sky, sunset, grass, trees, wind, stones, and more. Whether washing, sleeping, or even sitting on the toilet, visitors are encouraged to focus on their actions, with the changing natural surroundings enhancing sensory stimulation. Wollyeong CAVE provides unique experiences that deeply connect guests with the environment.

Jeju wollyeong cave villa / jya-rchitects

Each space in Wollyeong CAVE converges toward the center, allowing visitors to appreciate their togetherness while focusing on individual senses. This design enables guests to experience a variety of sensations and activities while sharing the same accommodation.

Jeju wollyeong cave villa / jya-rchitects
Project Gallery
Project Location

Address: 544-1 Wolryeong-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

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