Downtown Design
redazione 1/04/2026

Under the Reed Roof Guesthouses

Kyiv, Ukraine | YOD Group

Set on a private estate in central Ukraine, these guesthouses offer a contemporary reinterpretation of the traditional Ukrainian Hata-Mazanka – the archetypal rural home shaped by local materials, climate, and cultural rituals.

The pursuit of light and cleanliness is translated into fully transparent glass façades, while the roof – deliberately oversized – becomes the project’s primary architectural gesture. Rising to a height of 10 metres at its apex, the dome enhances the sense of openness and verticality, while allowing all engineering systems to remain fully concealed, leaving the walls visually clean and uninterrupted.

The spatial layout is organised around a functional core – a central concrete block containing the bathroom. On either side are the bedroom and the living area. The living room features a minimalist fireplace, a contemporary reference to the traditional Ukrainian stove. During the day, the fully glazed façades visually dissolve, creating the impression that the massive thatched roof is floating above the landscape. The uninterrupted glazing enhances the sense of immersion in nature.

The interior follows the principles of modern eco-minimalism. A restrained, natural colour palette, a rich variety of tactile surfaces, and objects by Ukrainian brands come together to create a calm, cohesive environment. The space features furniture by Noom, black clay decor by Guculiya, and textured wooden elements throughout.

Photo © Mykhailo Lukashuk

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