Sergey Makhno Architects embarked on an extraordinary project called The Shkrub House, which serves as the personal residence for Sergey Makhno and his family. Situated in Kozyn, a serene village in the outskirts of Kyiv, Ukraine, this remarkable dwelling spans an impressive area of 370 square meters. It holds a special place in Sergey Makhno’s heart, as it was here where his architectural journey began over 15 years ago, ultimately leading him to choose this location as his home.
The design of the new house beautifully blends two distinct aesthetics. Firstly, it draws inspiration from the contemporary Ukrainian style, which is deeply rooted in age-old traditions. Secondly, it incorporates elements of the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, celebrating the allure and harmony found in imperfections. A modern interpretation of a thatched roof gracefully extends over the exterior, accentuated by wooden wall slats that add character to the structure. However, the true magic lies within, waiting to be discovered.
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Sergey Makhno reflects on the journey of his home design: “Thanks to Japan, I learned to love Ukraine. When I went to Japan for the first time and saw how they appreciate their heritage, I understood that Ukrainian culture is extremely rich but we rarely rate it highly. Japan has given my country back to me. It has opened my eyes and, most importantly, my heart to the wealth I have always had–my homeland. Even if I wanted to do Japanese design–it would not work. Because I’m Ukrainian. I create Ukrainian design transmitted through the lens of Japanese perception of beautiful”. A sculptural figure, “Rain” by Nazar Bilyk, gazes up at the family home, guarding the family.
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A Zen garden springs up around the modern exterior. Much of the garden flourished without human hand, growing on wasteland around the site over the course of a few months–apt to the Japanese belief that the stone itself must choose where to lie. The natural habitat drew in squirrels and nightingales to live amongst it. An awesome window breaks the interior open to the outside.
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The home is almost completely surrounded by a minimalist concrete enclosure. It has two entrances, one from the façade and another from the courtyard that the family have fallen in love with. Entering the home via the courtyard walks you past an attractive terrace that is illuminated with designer lamps created by Sergey Makhno.
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A stone path enters the garden gallery through Japanese maples and cherry trees.
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Thatching and wood are architectural materials traditional in both Ukrainian and Japanese cultures, and so became a fitting choice for this melded design.
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250 Tons of stones, and several perspectives shape the garden.
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A giant rockery provokes layered foliage.
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Majestic garden statues and traditional Ukrainian zoomorphic pottery is viewed amongst fragrant conifer and freshly mown herbs.
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A stone doorstep continues the Zen garden theme.
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The front entrance of the house stands strong like a fortress, with thatched turrets turned on their heads.
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Solar panels perch on the rooftop.
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The family wanted an interior that felt like home, rather than a show home. The main focus of this design was not the color of the flooring or the like, but beautiful kids’ noise. Whichever way you plan a modern interior to disguise the craziness of life with kids, life with kids prevails in all its glory. Everything inside this place means something dear to the homeowners, right down to the rug pattern, which was created by middle son Hikaru before he turned 2 years old.
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The interior clay wall effect is executed in an ancient technique used in Ukraine for traditional hut building. The wall and ceiling are decorated with wood sourced from eleven old abandoned houses, which is not only uniquely beautiful but wonderfully ecological.
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A rustic coffee table is sympathetic to the organic shape of the walls, and to the massive antique ceramic jug collection that fills one wall from floor to high ceiling. Makhno found a love for Ukrainian ceramics as a child, whilst playing in the yard of his grandparents’ house in the village. He found his very first ceramic jugs here, cleaned them up and enthusiastically searched to expand his collection that includes clay products from Trypillia, 5–2nd Millenium BC.
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The cool clay walls absorb phone signals and all the worries tied along with.
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The living space is divided into three parts, which includes an open plan kitchen, dining area, and a lounge.
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Accents of red and teal add to the warmth of the natural decor.
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Huge windows bring the garden inside.
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The two floors were united, giving the gift of space and light.
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An open fireplace heats the huge expanse.
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The simple yet warm dining area is the family’s favorite place. Every seat at the table offers a great view, either to the living room, garden or terrace.
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Japanese tea ceremonies hold a special place in the heart of Sergey Makhno, and in this home it is the teacup that reins supreme over the wine glass.
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The dining area on the terrace is another special spot, filled with unique pieces.
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A live edge dining table meanders toward a lesser wall of pottery.
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Sunlight plays over deeply textured walls.
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Intriguing artwork stops footfall at every turn.
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The house is actually equipped with two kitchens. The minimalist kitchen that stands in open plan with the living room is furnished with a contrasting wooden table that was a flea market find.
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Several generations of Hutsul have dined at this 1935 table, which now stands in lieu of an island in this modern kitchen.
