Shkrub House is a unique combo of Japanese and modern Ukrainian aesthetics created by an architect for himself
Architect Sergey Makhno has renovated an existing building in the suburbs of Kiev to create a new residence for him and his family. Titled Shkrub House, the project takes inspiration from the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which finds beauty in imperfection. Characterized by the application of unpolished materials native to Ukraine, such as clay walls and the monumental thatched roof, the home has also been designed to embrace contemporary Ukrainian style.
Shkrub House is split over two floors, with the ground level catering for the more social aspects of the scheme, and the upper floor housing the private bedroom spaces. However, these two planes are not entirely disparate as they are united by the double-height volume of the living room, which can also be glimpsed from the master bedroom upstairs, offering an element of connection throughout the house.
The now living, dining and kitchen areas have undergone the most significant change in the renovation of the existing building. The walls and ceilings of these spaces are decorated in wood that also functions to display Makhno’s extensive collection of clay objects, which date back to the 5th – 2nd millennium BC. The upper floor is planned to be simple, comprising of a gallery-hall and bedrooms for the family. the hall ends with a balcony overlooking the living room and garden – the first thing owners see when they leave their rooms in the morning.
Outside, the fusion of Japan and Ukraine continues as maple and cherry trees sit alongside Ukrainian zoomorphic pottery and contemporary art. overall, with the blend of natural materials and organic forms within the regular volume of the building, the design of Shkrub House results in a contemporary take on tradition.
There's also a hearth here that matches the clay collection and the furniture here is contemporary simple
The dining space features a bold table, a creative teal pendant lamp and the rest of the collection of clay
A moody bedroom features a unique textural wood floor, a statement wall and wooden beams on the ceiling
The bathroom is done with 3D porcelain tiles in rust, mustard and turquoise and a hammered metal sink
