Reimagining Tradition with Modern Design
Nestled in central Ukraine, these guesthouses, designed by the Kyiv-based YOD Group, reinterpret the classic Ukrainian mazanka. Named Hata-Mazanka, these 50-square-meter structures feature traditional thick whitewashed walls and expansive thatched roofs. Their design integrates regional materials and customs while embracing a contemporary aesthetic.

Architectural Elegance and Cultural Essence
The large, sculptural roofs define the guesthouses, resembling both a towering mushroom and a traditional tall hat. Volodymyr Nepiyvoda, co-owner of YOD Group, explains the philosophy: “We studied the image of the traditional Ukrainian house, distilled its core characteristics, and reinterpreted them through our own lens to create a contemporary architectural object.” Transparent glass façades dissolve into the landscape, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor connection.

Innovative Interior and Transparent Boundaries
The interior features a central concrete block housing the bathroom, flanked by a living room and bedroom. A minimalist fireplace, echoing the Ukrainian stove, offers warmth and a place for reflection. The choice to exclude a television fosters a continuous connection with nature.

The glazed façades create the illusion of the roof floating above the landscape. Inside, a stone carpet extends outdoors, offering a tactile experience as gentle as a massage.

Eco-Minimalism Meets Local Craft
Adhering to eco-minimalism, the interiors embrace a natural color palette and tactile elements. Ukrainian-made furnishings, like Noom’s pieces and Guculiya’s black clay décor, blend with handcrafted wooden accents to create a serene atmosphere. A custom floor light of natural fibers and ceramics stands as a centerpiece in the bedroom.
Embracing eco-minimalism is key to these designs. Discover more about creating an eco-friendly space and enhancing sustainability at home.

Advanced Engineering Hidden in Elegance
The dome interior, clad in wooden tiles reminiscent of traditional shingles, conceals sophisticated engineering systems. A heat pump ensures year-round comfort, while discreet ventilation slots maintain the minimalist aesthetic.

Guests can manage privacy with a bedside control panel that operates elegant, lightweight curtains, further enhancing the harmonious blend of natural surroundings and modern comforts.

Continuing YOD Group’s Legacy
YOD Group’s innovative approach is also reflected in other projects across Ukraine, such as a pastry shop in Lviv and a historical restaurant transformation in Kyiv. Their commitment to integrating cultural narratives in design continues to inspire.
Explore YOD Group’s commitment to cultural narratives with new developments amidst challenging times in Ukraine.

Project details: Hata-Mazanka by YOD Group, located in central Ukraine, designed by Volodymyr Nepyivoda, Dmytro Bonesco, Natalia Tymochesko, and Yana Rogozhinska, with furniture by Noom. All images © Mykhailo Lukashuk.












Source: worldarchitecture.org
Frequently asked questions
What design philosophy did the YOD Group use for Hata-Mazanka?
The YOD Group studied the image of the traditional Ukrainian house, distilled its core characteristics, and reinterpreted them through their own lens to create a contemporary architectural object.
How do the glazed façades enhance the Hata-Mazanka design?
The glazed façades create the illusion of the roof floating above the landscape, enhancing the seamless indoor-outdoor connection.
What eco-friendly elements are integrated in Hata-Mazanka?
The interiors embrace a natural color palette and tactile elements, featuring Ukrainian-made furnishings and eco-minimalist design choices.
