Set on a private estate in central Ukraine, YOD Group’s guesthouses rethink the traditional Ukrainian hata-mazanka through glass facades and a sculptural thatched roof
Photography by Mykhailo Lukashuk
These Ukrainian guesthouses mark the latest addition to Kyiv-based design agency YOD Group‘s portfolio of striking architectural builds. Drawing on the country’s vernacular heritage, the project is distinct for its contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Ukrainian whitewashed mazanka, a rural dwelling typology defined by clay walls and thatched silhouettes.
Located on a private estate in central Ukraine, the compact guesthouses distil the defining traits of the traditional hata-mazanka, while adding contemporary touches. Occupying a modest 50 sq m footprint, YOD Group deliberately prioritised light and spatial generosity. Fully glazed facades blur the boundary between interior and exterior, while an oversized roofline draws the eye upward.
Inside, the dome’s interior is lined with wooden tiles and soars to a height of 10 metres at its apex, creating a striking focal point. All engineering systems – including a heat pump that regulates the indoor climate year-round – are fully hidden, leaving the walls clean and uninterrupted.
Photography by Mykhailo Lukashuk
At the heart of the guesthouse, a concrete block conceals the bathroom and leads onto a pared-back bedroom and living space. Here, a minimalist fireplace – a nod to the traditional Ukrainian stove, the architects explain – adds warmth and character to the cosy space.
YOD Group’s considered design philosophy is evident throughout. A natural colour palette is paired with a mix of tactile surfaces and sculptural objects by celebrated Ukrainian brands and designers. The interiors feature playful furniture by Noom, black clay decorative pieces by Guculiya and bespoke creations like a floor lamp made from ceramics and natural fibres.
The floor, finished in a continuous stone-carpet surface, is designed to extend the natural palette and unite the interior and exterior spaces. Floor-to-ceiling glazing frames the landscape, while dense yet visually light curtains – operated from a discreet bedside panel – provide privacy without compromising the guesthouse’s openness.
Photography by Mykhailo Lukashuk
‘Our philosophy goes beyond working with local materials or familiar forms,’ says Volodymyr Nepiyvoda, co-owner and managing partner of YOD Group. ‘For us, it is about uncovering the essence of a place and decoding its cultural meanings.’
Perfectly exemplifying the studio’s signature style, the architects emphasise that each project should express ‘their aesthetics, conveying their values, mindsets and spirits,’ rather than simply ‘creating projects for a picture in a glossy magazine.’ These guesthouses demonstrate just that, with thoughtful design, sincerity and a deep respect for both past and future.
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