SJCC Resort | Atelier Chang

The project is located some 300 kilometres south of Seoul within lush cypress forests and enjoys distant views over the Korean Strait. Drawing diverse references from natural elements such as the site’s dramatic topography, pebbles and fireflies, the resort offers guests a direct and vivid connection with their natural surroundings. Careful orientation ensures that each unit is well-screened from surrounding units while offering guests dramatic views over Suncheon Ecological Bay. At night, the units – when illuminated from within – appear to form part of the forest’s natural organic layout.

Atelier Chang brings an innovative approach to the structural design of the glamping units. The light-weight steel frames, covered with an insulated tent-like fabric, create highly resilient structures which are capable of withstanding the region’s significant annual differences in climatic conditions. The resort includes three principal types of glamping unit; ‘Mountain’, ‘Cutent’ and ‘Firefly’, each of which has a distinctive plan and colour scheme.

The striking restaurant/community facility forms the focal point of the resort. The restaurant and viewing terrace are screened by an elegant geometric arrangement of white steel louvres, mitigating solar ingress.

Key features of the project include:
• Light steel frames are covered with a bespoke fabric made by French manufacturer Serge Ferrari. The material is weather and fire resistant and tensioned at the base of the frame to fit the shape of an individual unit
• Glazing elements are constructed from double layers of polycarbonate (for privacy), although glass can be used if required 
• Plumbing and electricity infrastructure is connected to the mains supply although the  structures can use natural resources (rain water harvesting and PVs)
• Foundations consist of concrete pillars with steel columns supporting the decking to which the structures are bolted.
The shell price of individual units (excluding kitchen and bathroom fit-out and furniture) is similar to the cost of a family car. However, unit rates for guests are around double the rate of a typical local hotel and closer to a 4 Star hotel room.