Korea’s platform_monsant cafe reflects its stunning volcanic surroundings

A stunning cafe designed for contemplating nature sits on the coast of a South Korean island called Jeju. Envisioned by platform_a, cafe ‘platform_monsant’ is a simple horizontal building constructed with volcanic stone and pivoting mirrored-glass doors. Its sleek glazed skin not only affords amazing views of the landscape, but also helps to echo its beauty.

‘platform_monsant’ is located in a quiet residential area called Aeweol, on the border of a nature reserve and dinosaur theme park. Its simple boxy design combines rough dark materials with a contrasting skin of stainless steel-framed reflective glass windows, offered here as a device to absorb the characteristics of the site. While the building’s entrance is marked by a crushed basalt stone skin, a rough concrete wall at the back adds plenty of charm.

Measuring 2,150 square feet, the single-story building is topped with a grassy terrace that doubles as an observation deck. The minimalit interiors are filled with both natural light and fresh ocean breezes filtering through the pivoting windows.

The architects explain their approach to the project. “Our goal was not to emphasize the architecture by landscape, but to highlight the landscape by architecture.”

 

The cafe is located in Aeweol on the border of a nature reserve and a dinosaur theme park.

 

Its simple boxy design combines rough dark materials with shiny reflective glass.

 

Right at the back there is a rough concrete wall that looks unfinished yet ads plenty of charm.

 

The single-story building is topped by a grassy terrace.

 

The minimalist interiors are filled with natural light.