ceramic tiles coat the rounded form of church unit in south korea

Studio Heech and Oh Architects design Four Three House to provide Jungmun Catholic Church in Jeju with offices, a holy gift shop, an archive, and toilets for the church community and pilgrims. the building also commemorates the tragic Jeju 4.3 Uprising and Massacre that occurred between 1947 and 1954 on Jeju Island. The architectural design draws from local building forms and the surrounding landscape, using local materials. The building’s eastern facade stands as a solid ‘wall’ with minimal openings facing the parking lot where civilians were killed during the 4.3 incident. Camellia-colored tiles, designed by artist Moo-Yeol Kim to honor the event, guide visitors to the meditative interior spaces.

Four Three House is part of the Jungmun Catholic Church in Jeju | images by Doyeon Kwon

Natural light illuminates the toilet area through roof lights along the outer wall, while a handmade stainless-steel sink stands under a panoramic horizontal window that offers a view of the seascape. A hidden garden on the west frames the Jungmun beach arranging large local stones along with the existing pine trees. Preserving existing pine trees and integrating Jeju’s local stones, the design cohesively blends with the surroundings. The building maintains simplicity with a 500mm tile pattern that determines the size and rhythm of all openings inside and outside.

The New Priest House is situated amidst tangerine fields and an old pitched roof house on the north part of the site. Precast concrete lintels, simple geometric openings and corrugated steel roof allow for the new building to respond properly to its neighboring structures and surroundings. This site, known for its tragic history, is a place for visitors to find solace and healing. The Four Three House by Studio Heech and Oh Architects aids in this process, offering comfort as visitors wash their hands and admire the serene Jeju beach landscape. The project encapsulates various narratives, including the church’s history, the Catholic community’s devotion, priestly friendships, and journeys of healing. The Four Three House house stands as a space to disseminate and exchange these stories.

the building also commemorates the tragic Jeju 4.3 Uprising and Massacre

the structure remains unadorned as 500mm tile pattern determines the size and rhythm of all openings

the camellia-colored tiles, created by artist Moo-Yeol Kim, lead visitors to meditative interior spaces