moon hoon stacks concrete volumes to build 'pacific residence

‘pacific residence’ by moon hoon

In Seogwipo, the second largest city of Jeju Island in South Korea, Moon Hoon completes a concrete dwelling for a neurosurgeon, his fiancé, and their soon-to-be family. Overlooking the pacific ocean, the residence reveals a stack of eight bold, angular volumes, fronted with generous glazing. Together, the concrete shapes evoke the forming of basalt rocks on the island, giving the impression that the house has been standing there for a long time. ‘Pacific Residence’ features three bedrooms for children, a master bedroom, a kitchen-dining area, a living room, and a library/social room.

‘Pacific Residence’ by Moon Hoon | all images © Kim Chang Mook

using angles and levels to design unique family spaces

Thanks to the angled position of the site, all eight blocks of the ‘Pacific Residence’ receive ample sunlight and frame scenic views of the ocean ahead. Moon Hoon (seee more here) placed the entrance on the northern side, with a small basalt rock-erected fence wall offering protection from the notorious Jeju wind. Once inside, the foyer only gives visual queues to the main space if residents turn and ascend a few steps to reach the living space — a double-height room with an angled column supporting the library on the 4th floor.

A few more steps lead to the kitchen/dining area and then a few more to the couple’s future kids’ room. This ascending movement through steps and ramps continues to the top, where a library offers a great view of the Pacific ocean. The north-south axis of the library has stepped seats to the northern side, providing a door to the balcony, where a view towards the Halla mountain unfolds.

‘Pacific Residence’ emerges like a rock formation