Embracing the Landscape: A Unique Setting
The Wind Hill Houses by Doojin Hwang Architects grace the slopes of a hill on Jeju Island, offering panoramic views of unique rock formations, cliffs, sprawling fields, and the vast expanse of the Pacific Ocean. The project aimed to seamlessly integrate six single-family houses into this picturesque natural environment.
A Collective Dream: Creating a Village
The Wind Hill is not merely a housing project but a collective dream shared by six former colleagues, all envisioning a village atop a hill overlooking the ocean. Each house was designed not in isolation but as part of a cohesive village, reflecting the individual needs of the families while maintaining a sense of unity.
Architectural Integrity and Collaboration
Despite the individuality of each client, there was a shared commitment to preserving the architectural integrity of the wooden structures and exteriors. Collaborative efforts and negotiations among the clients, facilitated by the architects, ensured the allocation of shared community facilities like parking, gas storage, pool, and outdoor gathering spaces.
Innovative Structural Design
The houses feature a combination of reinforced concrete and lightweight wood frame structures, with thermowood chosen as the primary material for the exterior. The open-joint rain-screen system was adopted for external cladding to facilitate maintenance. Despite being in the path of seasonal typhoons, the project has withstood the elements admirably, showcasing the resilience and beauty of wood as a building material.
Creating a Village Atmosphere
Reflecting the essence of a village, shared amenities such as parking, yards, water features, and access roads were equally distributed across the six sites. A winding common passage connects the houses, lined with native Jeju plants, seamlessly blending the village with its natural surroundings.
Conclusion: A Testament to Sustainable Architecture
The Wind Hill Houses stand as a testament to sustainable architecture, blending harmoniously with the landscape while fostering a sense of community among its residents. Through collaborative efforts and innovative design solutions, the project exemplifies the beauty and resilience of nature-inspired architecture.
