Concrete sculpture along the waterside with reservoir views
The Yeonginsangseong Reservoir in Asan, Chungcheongnam-do, is one of the over 40 reservoirs scattered across Asan City. The southwest embankment spans a width of 5m and a length of 460m, with Yeonginsan Mountain rising to an elevation of 365m beyond the reservoir. To the north, there are ordinary farms, warehouses, and industrial complexes. A cafe has been established here, offering a comfortable space to sit and enjoy the reservoir scenery. The name ‘ALEFFFEE; is a combination of Asan, Levee, and Coffee. As one enters the cafe, a geometric layout of gardens, ponds, walkways, and embankments unfolds, creating a visually striking space connected to the waterfront with a geometric form that complements the embankment.
With the introduction of leisure facilities, the reservoir, once primarily used for agricultural water, has expanded into a space for urban residents’ activities in line with the changing times. ALEFFFEE reflects on the question of how spaces like reservoirs, embankments, and farmlands can find sustainable intersections with urban programs during the process of rural urbanization. The key element is the external stands arranged in a cascading manner on a spacious platform. Expanding in two directions like folded wings, the stands transform the agricultural irrigation reservoir into an observation area and a user-centric leisure activity space. Starting from the second floor in the southwest, they meet a square and gradually descend, connecting to the embankment. From here, visitors can enjoy the sunset or move along the long embankment path unfolded like a runway.
Both locations have concrete low platforms installed for users to lie down or sit freely, reflecting the Korean lifestyle of sitting on the floor. The platform’s floor, directly touched by the user’s body, incorporates an underfloor heating system, minimizing discomfort in various weather conditions and providing warmth during cold seasons. Large windows in the upper part of the waterfront space create a powder room, fostering interaction between indoor and outdoor spaces. The entrance space on the first floor is left open to secure a vertical sense of space, exposing the floor-to-floor circulation to connect the internal spatial flow. Concrete platforms are also installed between the second and third floors for movement, providing a three-dimensional panoramic view space for various activities against the backdrop of the reservoir. The third floor, connected to the rooftop, is utilized for rooftop parties and panoramic views.
Project: ALEFFEE / Location: 187-15, Yeongin-ro, Yeongin-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Republic of Korea / Architect: IDMM Architects (Heesoo Kwak) / Program: cafe / Site area: 6,652.00m² / Bldg. Area: 934.11m² / Gross floor area: 822.87m² / Bldg. coverage ratio: 14.04% / Gross floor ratio: 12.37% / Bldg. scale: three stories above ground / Height: 13.90m / Structure: RC / Exterior finishing: exposed concrete / Design: 2020.1~2020.4 / Construction: 2020.11~2021.12 / Completion: 2021.12 / Photograph: ©Jaeyoun Kim (courtesy of the architect)
