experience nature from archiworkshop's glamping site in ga-pyeong

experience nature from archiworkshop’s glamping site in ga-pyeong 
all images courtesy of june-young lim

camping, the recreational escape to the outdoors, needs little introduction. for as long as there has been people there have been those who find solace in the quiet ambience of nature. but contemporary lifestyles have no doubt affected the necessities of a weekend escape. ‘glamping’, short for glamorous camping, emerged from the idea that a rustic setting need not have accommodations of equal caliber.

welcome center 

such thinking served as the basis for conceptualization for ‘glamping’, a multi-unit rec. site designed by korean firm spacetong / archiworkshop. located in the mountainous ga-pyeong region outside seoul, forms are placed with careful intent amongst pine forest and rocky outcrop. upon arriving at the site, ‘glampers’ are welcomed into a center of black cedar and mirrored sections. here, visitors find communal seating and amenities not provided in individual cabins.

seating inside and out provides ample opportunity to socialize with fellow guests

two distinct designs — rock flower and dynamic triangle — are positioned along the incline beyond the welcome center. the circular unit, rock flower, was derived from the site’s biological locality. flowers budding from the boulder-heavy terrain were enlarged and refined to serve as the basis for a hospitable experience. a small veranda, grill, bed, interior lounge space, storage, and a 1.5m circular skylight complete the space.

mirrored façade sections reflect sites, creating an interesting dialogue with black cedar siding

dynamic triangle, the second typology, evokes images of a classic camping shelter: the lean-to. a bit modest in comparison to the bulbous flower; the only noticeable difference is in allotted interior space. in this scenario the reduced interior serves not as an inhibition, but as an open invitation to spend more time outside — which most would argue is the point anyway. units are as non-disruptive to the natural environment as construction allowed, thereby placing emphasis on the experience of nature, albeit from a glamorous position.

welcome center interior, kitchen area

rock flower’s translucent membrane causes a lantern effect at night

‘rock flower’ overlooking ga-pyeong landscape

veranda and day-lounges outside circular unit

bed, living space, and a 1.5meter skylight give character to the interior

‘dynamic triangle’ exterior with wooden picnic table and grill

floor-to-ceiling windows bring plentiful illumination into the light-colored interior

‘glamping’ on the rock by spacetong / archiworkshop

project info:

name: glamping on the rock
completion date: april 2016
location: ga-pyung, gyung-gi-gun
studio: spacetong / archiworkshop
architects: hee-jun sim, su-jeong park
team: yoo-mi chae, kyung-na kim
contractor: TCM global
photography: june-young lim

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.

edited by: nick brink | designboom