Project Name: OUTPOST CAFE

Location: Ganghwa Island, South Korea

Design Team: space design A.LIVE

Lead Architect: Jeon Heesu

Project Area: 731 m²

Completion Year: 2024

Photography: PARK JONGSU

Feature：

Project - In a striking reinterpretation of historical Korean defense architecture, OUTPOST Cafe emerges as a contemporary sanctuary on the cultural landscape of Ganghwa. Designed by space design A.LIVE under the direction of lead architect Jeon Heesu, this 731-square-metre structure transforms the concept of a traditional "Dondae" fortress into a modern refuge where urbanites can reconnect with nature.

The project's most distinctive feature is its innovative use of circular, low-lying walls that pay homage to historical Korean fortifications while serving a deeply contemplative purpose. These architectural elements, rendered in raw concrete, create a series of embracing spaces that guide visitors through the building with an almost maternal sensibility. The walls act as both physical and psychological boundaries, carefully orchestrating movement and visual connections to the surrounding landscape.

What sets OUTPOST apart is its sophisticated manipulation of light and shadow. The architects have deliberately employed subdued interior lighting to create a compelling dialogue between built form and natural illumination. This careful orchestration draws the eye outward, making the surrounding environment an integral part of the café experience. The result is a space that feels both protective and expansive, challenging conventional notions of interior and exterior boundaries.

The café's material palette is notably restrained, dominated by exposed concrete surfaces that echo the fortified architecture that inspired it. This industrial rawness is softened by the building's curved geometries and strategic openings that frame views of the landscape. The space represents a masterful balance between historical reference and contemporary design, creating an environment that serves both as a functional café and a contemplative retreat.

Through this project, space design A.LIVE demonstrates how historical architectural elements can be reimagined to address modern needs for sanctuary and connection with nature. OUTPOST stands as a testament to architecture's power to create meaningful dialogue between past and present, artificial and natural, protection and openness.

Design Team - Founded in 2014, space design A.LIVE has established itself as an innovative architectural design studio based in Seoul, South Korea. Operating under the compelling motto "A.LIVE brings space ALIVE," the practice has cultivated a distinctive approach to spatial design that seamlessly integrates narrative, functionality, and aesthetic innovation.

Led by Principal Architect Jeon Heesu, the studio specializes in a comprehensive range of architectural services, from brand identity development to full-scale architectural projects, interior design, and bespoke installations. Their design philosophy is anchored in three core principles: "Your Story," which emphasizes client narrative as the foundation of each project; "Our Design Thinking," which translates these narratives into spatial value through innovative reinterpretation; and "Alive Being," which ensures the sustainable implementation of these values in physical form.

The firm's portfolio showcases their expertise across diverse typologies, with notable projects demonstrating their ability to create spaces that resonate with both cultural context and contemporary needs. Their integrated approach to architecture encompasses everything from conceptual development to detailed interior solutions and custom furniture design. Based in Yongsan-gu, Seoul, space design A.LIVE has garnered recognition for their thoughtful architectural interventions that consistently challenge conventional spatial paradigms while maintaining a strong connection to functionality and user experience.

Recent works like the OUTPOST CAFE exemplify their ability to synthesize historical references with modern architectural language, creating spaces that are both innovative and deeply rooted in cultural context.