Every early April, the road leading to Jakcheonjeong Valley at the foot of Shinbulsan Mountain in Ulsan City, South Korea, transforms into a stunning pink canopy of cherry blossoms, creating a picturesque escape from everyday life. Nestled along this scenic path is the Inalit Cafe, a simple concrete structure that harmonizes with its natural surroundings.
The architects focused on redefining the coffee shop, a ubiquitous commercial space, as a sustainable development hub within the local community. Inalit Cafe is designed not just as a transient stop for visitors but as a welcoming place where residents can build meaningful connections.
Located in a typical suburban setting, Inalit is arranged in a “U” shape along the site’s edge. The design comprises a central courtyard, interior rooms, and connecting corridors. The main entrance faces the public road, leading visitors through a passage into the courtyard. Thanks to the open atrium, the space welcomes both café customers and passersby walking through Jakcheonjeong Valley. The pathway and courtyard extending from the corridor effectively bring the surrounding landscape indoors, embodying the architect’s concept of a “landscape extension.”
The interior design thoughtfully integrates the landscape of Shinbulsan Mountain, with overlapping external spaces that gradually unfold to captivate visitors. The café’s most significant feature is the pathway and courtyard that connect Sakura Road to Sakura Garden. This space embraces the natural surroundings, setting a new standard for commercial architecture by serving as an open and inviting area for the local community.
Project Drawings
△ General Layout Plan
△ Plan View
△ Section Diagram
△ Elevation Drawing
△ Analysis Chart
△ Exploded Diagram
Project Information
Architects: Atelier MODS, PLS Architects
Area: 606 m²
Project Year: 2021
Photographer: Yoon Joonhwan
Manufacturers: Adobe, American Standard, AutoDesk, Dong Myung, FILOBE, Material & Design, Noroo Paint, Trimble Navigation, Yes Lighting
Principal Architects: Park Kanghee, Lee Yeonjung, Shin Hyukhyu, Shin Namgyu
Design Team: Cho Seongwoo
Client: The Build
Architectural Design: PLS Architects, Atelier MODS
Structural Engineers: YOON Structural Engineers
Mechanical Engineer: Gwangmyeong Total Engineers
Construction: Daekyung Design Development
Location: Ulju-gun, South Korea
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