Under the Reed Roof Guesthouses, designed by YOD Group, are a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Ukrainian hata-mazanka, a rural dwelling characterised by thick whitewashed walls and thatched roofs. Located on a private estate in central Ukraine, these guesthouses blend vernacular architecture with modern design elements, creating a harmonious connection between the built environment and the natural landscape.
The design concept focuses on transparency and light, replacing the traditional opaque walls with fully glazed façades. This design choice allows the interiors to dissolve into the surrounding environment, offering unobstructed views of the picturesque landscape. The oversized thatched roof serves as the project’s primary architectural gesture, its sculptural form evoking both a traditional tall hat and an oversized mushroom rising from the terrain. This distinctive silhouette anchors the guesthouses within their natural setting while paying homage to local heritage.
The spatial layout is organised around a central concrete core that houses the bathroom facilities. Flanking this core are the bedroom and living area, each designed to maximise comfort and functionality. The living room features a minimalist fireplace, serving as a contemporary reference to the traditional Ukrainian stove. The absence of a television encourages guests to engage with the natural surroundings, promoting relaxation and emotional restoration.
The continuous stone-carpet flooring extends seamlessly from the interior to the exterior, enhancing the tactile experience and reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the natural world. This design choice creates a sense of immersion, allowing the landscape to become an integral part of the guest experience. When privacy is desired, guests can draw dense yet visually light curtains, operated automatically via a bedside control panel, providing a balance between openness and seclusion.
The interior design follows the principles of modern eco-minimalism, featuring a restrained natural colour palette and a rich variety of tactile surfaces. Furniture by Ukrainian brand Noom, black clay decor by Guculiya, and textured wooden elements contribute to a calm and cohesive environment. A custom-made floor lamp crafted from ceramics and natural fibres adds warmth and sculptural presence to the bedroom, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.
The inner surface of the roof dome is clad in wooden tiles, referencing traditional wooden shingles historically used on Ukrainian rooftops. Rising to a height of 10 metres at its apex, the dome enhances the sense of openness and verticality within the space. All engineering systems are fully concealed within the roof structure, leaving the walls visually clean and uninterrupted. A heat pump system maintains a comfortable indoor climate throughout the year, while concealed air-conditioning operates through discreet linear slots in vertical grilles and exhaust outlets built into the dome and central core.
The guesthouses are designed to be energy-efficient and self-sufficient, ensuring a comfortable year-round climate. The integration of modern amenities, such as the heat pump system and discreet air-conditioning, provides a tranquil retreat without modern distractions like television. This design approach aligns with YOD Group’s philosophy of terroir design, which aims to reinterpret Ukrainian cultural heritage into a contemporary architectural experience.
Under the Reed Roof Guesthouses demonstrate how vernacular architecture can be reinterpreted without nostalgia. Through abstraction, material restraint, and spatial clarity, YOD Group creates a contemporary retreat that remains deeply connected to Ukrainian cultural memory while addressing present-day ideas of comfort, sustainability, and emotional well-being. This project exemplifies the studio’s commitment to translating cultural context into contemporary architecture, offering a modern sanctuary that honours tradition and immerses guests in nature.
The guesthouses’ design not only honours traditional Ukrainian architecture but also introduces innovative elements that enhance the guest experience. The emphasis on transparency and natural materials creates a serene and immersive environment, allowing guests to connect with the surrounding landscape. The sculptural roof serves as a focal point, drawing attention to the building’s unique architectural identity and its integration with the natural surroundings.
In conclusion, Under the Reed Roof Guesthouses by YOD Group represent a successful fusion of traditional Ukrainian architectural elements with contemporary design principles. The project offers a unique and immersive experience, providing guests with a tranquil retreat that honours cultural heritage while embracing modern comforts and sustainability. This innovative approach to vernacular architecture sets a precedent for future projects that seek to reinterpret traditional forms in a contemporary context.
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