Jisan Stone House by PLAN Architects Office – Gwangju, South Korea

Nestled at the edge of Mudeungsan National Park and the bustling heart of Gwangju, the Jisan Stone House by PLAN Architects Office (2022) harmoniously bridges nature and urban life. Situated on a triangular plot accessible via a serene two-lane road lined with tall ginkgo trees, historic residences, and urban shops, this residence maximizes a modest usable area of 62.73m² while responding creatively to local road widening regulations and landscape setbacks.

The house was commissioned by a couple who run a restaurant business, seeking a design that balances shared living, work, and personal hobbies. Due to its proximity to neighboring structures, the design establishes a clear boundary between private and public spaces, enhancing privacy while connecting residents to the surrounding environment.

Spatial Design & Functionality

The residence is thoughtfully organized across three functional levels:

• First Floor: A dining and kitchen hub designed for socializing and culinary experiences.
• Second to Fourth Floors: Fully residential spaces accommodating bedrooms, bathrooms, and personal areas.
• Rooftop Terrace: An interactive outdoor space fostering a direct connection with Mudeungsan Mountain and the surrounding nature.

Materiality & Boundaries

The exterior wall, crafted with coursed natural stone, serves as a mental and physical boundary between interior and exterior. Its raw, irregular texture symbolizes the transition from city streets to a natural retreat. Interior spaces feature exposed concrete finishes and custom wooden furniture, creating a cohesive flow from the stone façade to indoor living areas.

Innovative Use of Space

The house incorporates skip floors, transparent glass railings, and multi-functional stairs to:

• Enhance spatial openness
• Improve movement efficiency
• Blur the line between rooms, allowing flexible use of the compact footprint

Bedrooms and bathrooms remain private, while other areas, like hallways, hobby spaces, and living areas, embrace loose boundaries for a versatile living experience. Custom furniture reinforces a sense of spatial unity, ensuring that even small areas feel expansive and functional.

Architectural Statement

The irregular coursed stone wall, combined with concrete pedestrian paths, clearly defines the house’s presence between city and nature. Rooftop windows and canopy structures gradually widen toward the sky, reflecting the visual rhythm of Mudeungsan Mountain, and creating a dialogue between architecture and landscape.

Jisan Stone House is a masterclass in contextual residential architecture, balancing natural integration, privacy, and functional living while responding to urban and environmental constraints.

All Photographs are works of  Joon Hwan, Yoon