three stacked concrete slabs outline birye church by SML in korea

layered concrete volumes shape Birye Church

Birye Church, designed by SML, is composed of three stacked concrete slabs supported by structural walls and columns. The building integrates an education hall on the ground floor, a chapel on the second floor, and the pastor’s private residence on the third floor. Each level engages with the surroundings through varying degrees of openness and enclosure. The horizontally segmented concrete volumes align with the landscape of mountain ridges and rice fields, while shifting light and shadows influence the perception of the structure throughout the day.

The church is located in a valley surrounded by Jibongsan Mountain, Korea, where farmland extends to the east and south. The site includes an existing red brick church and a newer concrete structure. A concrete wall marks the entrance, creating a transition from the exterior into the church’s courtyard. A concrete eave extends over the entryway, establishing a connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. The building’s vertical massing is balanced by tall windows that visually link the three levels.

all images by Namsun Lee

SML ensures Functional Zoning and Spatial Continuity

The design team at SML arranges interior spaces according to their functions. The first floor serves as a multipurpose area for religious activities, education, and gatherings. It includes the pastor’s office, youth room, dining hall, and a small chapel. A glass-walled corridor connects interior spaces with the courtyard, enhancing visual continuity. The second floor houses the main chapel, where the exposed concrete ceiling references the gable roof of the older church. Wood-tone sound-absorbing panels line the walls, contributing to the acoustics. A veranda on the east side provides panoramic views, bringing in natural light and establishing a seasonal connection between the interior and landscape. The third floor contains the pastor’s private residence, designed as a secluded living space. A large south-facing window frames views of the surrounding environment, integrating the architecture with the distant and immediate landscape. The structure’s concrete roof and overall material composition reinforce a cohesive relationship between the building and its natural setting.

Birye Church features three stacked concrete slabs, creating a layered architectural composition