the ‘RW concrete church’ designed by nameless architecture features a strong interplay of geometric volumes that cantilever over the street below. located in byeollae, a newly developed district near northeast seoul, korea, the building consists of a single stark material, which is used to penetrate all the way through. the mass is formed into the outline of a cross, and its program is based on the flow of consecutive, contrasting environments. the religious symbol is used as a substitute for a traditional bell tower and is only accessed after a journey through various empty spaces.

 

 


‘RW concrete church’
video courtesy of rohspace

 

 

upon entering the building, an open yard on the ground floor is revealed, which serves as a venue for public interaction, while also accommodating religious programs. once visitors become accustomed to the darkness in this flexible void, they journey up three flights of closed stairs to enter into a dramatic, light-filled room. the cantilevering structure protrudes 6.9 meters over the site and it is only after venturing through it that one finally reaches the chapel.

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
view from the north showing the structure cantilevered over the street
all images © rohspace / nameless architecture

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
the building is shaped into the outline of a cross

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
a single concrete material is applied throughout the structure

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
the symbol is used to heighten a sense of tension within the space

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
concrete is used as a metaphor for religious values

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
diffuse light filters through the long and narrow clerestory

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
view from the cantilevered space that protrudes out 6.9m

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
the empty concrete yard is the first thing one encounters upon entering the building

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
interior view of the chapel that seeks to evoke the feeling of attending a worship service on a low hill

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
the church is located in byeollae, a newly developed district near northeast seoul, korea

nameless architecture completes RW concrete church in south korea
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project info:

 

project: RW concrete church
architect: nameless architecture
architects in charge: unchung na, sorae yoo
location: byeollae, south korea
area: 3,095.5 sqm / 33,319.7sqft
photography: © rohspace / nameless
collaborating architect: jplus (jungtaek lim, hwataek jung)
structural consultant: mido structural consultants
mechanical consultant: one engineering
client: rockwon church
design: 2011-2012
completion: 2013 

 

 

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.