rising volcano cones of jeju island inform the design of o r r r n café in south korea

a concrete volume emerges organically from the surrounding body of water as a parasitic volcano cone rising from the sea.

ATMOROUND edited by pietro mini August 3, 2023 3 min

ATMOROUND designs o r r r n café inn Seogwipo-si

ATMOROUND design group introduces o r r r n café in South Korea, a unique architectural project that draws from Jeju Island’s natural wonders, particularly the parasitic volcano oreums (cones), and blends with its surroundings. Positioned in Seogwipo-si, the structure offers views of the northern sea, framed by Seongsan Ilchulbong on the right and Udo Island on the left. The project aims to harmonize with nature and evoke a profound connection to the environment enhancing the existing allure of the site. The café shapes a concrete volume that resembles the oreums native to Jeju Island emerging organically from the surrounding body of water, mirroring the image of a parasitic volcano cone rising from the sea. The name of the project is a nod to ‘oreum,’ symbolizing the circular form of these volcanic hills.

rising volcano cones of jeju island inform the design of o r r r n café in south korea - 1 — all images by Woo-jin Park

café’s interior resembles the landscape of a volcanic island

The building’s spatial layout immerses visitors in nature. The left mass boasts interiors that frame the northern sea views. The right mass of o r r r n incorporates a flowy interconnection of spaces. A large staircase that resembles the landscape of a volcanic island and creates a sequence that associates with the surrounding nature, leads visitors to different points of the building as views of the ocean unfold while ascending. The interior showcases a dynamic and interactive experience through openings that overlook the seascapes and form a changing interplay of light and shadow. The design emphasizes spatial relationships with nature rather than conventional shapes. Glass tables, mirroring the sea’s horizon, bring tranquility to the space, while the bar table replicates the unique columnar joints formed by volcanic lava cooling rapidly. Handcrafted by the design team at ATMOROUND, the bar table’s texture infuses the space with the natural essence of Jeju’s stone.

rising volcano cones of jeju island inform the design of o r r r n café in south korea - 2 — the café shapes a concrete volume that resembles the oreums native to Jeju Island

rising volcano cones of jeju island inform the design of o r r r n café in south korea - 3 — the form emerges from the surrounding body of water, resembling a volcano cone rising from the sea

rising volcano cones of jeju island inform the design of o r r r n café in south korea - 4 — a large staircase creates a sequence that associates with the surrounding nature

atmoround-orrrn-cafe-south-korea-designboom-1800-2 — the interior showcases a dynamic and interactive experience through openings that overlook the seascapes

rising volcano cones of jeju island inform the design of o r r r n café in south korea - 5 — the design emphasizes spatial relationships with nature rather than conventional shapes

atmoround-orrrn-cafe-south-korea-designboom-1800-3 — the bar table’s texture infuses the space with the natural essence of Jeju’s stone

project info:

name: o r r r n
architect: ATMOROUND | @atmoround_official

construction: ATMOROUND, Han-lim Con

landscape design: Dewsong Place

location: Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, Republic of Korea

photography: Woo-jin Park

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.