Imagine a cluster of guesthouses that look like they’ve been plucked from a fairy tale, with towering thatched roofs that seem to defy gravity. This is exactly what Kyiv-based YOD Group has achieved with their Hata-Mazanka project, a stunning tribute to Ukrainian vernacular architecture. But here’s where it gets even more fascinating: these glass-sided huts are crowned with 10-metre-tall thatched roofs, creating a silhouette that’s both whimsical and deeply rooted in tradition.
Located on a private estate in central Ukraine, the trio of guesthouses pays homage to the mazanka, a traditional rural Ukrainian home known for its thick, whitewashed walls and thatched roofs. YOD Group took this concept and gave it a modern twist, exaggerating the height of the roofs to make them the undeniable focal point. At their tallest, these roofs soar to 10 metres, resembling oversized mushrooms or the iconic sheepskin hats of Ukrainian folklore. And this is the part most people miss: the thatch isn’t just any material—it’s made from one-year-old reeds grown in the Odessa region, adding a layer of local authenticity.
Inside, the design is a masterclass in blending tradition with contemporary comfort. The living areas and bedrooms are topped with wooden-tiled domes, reminiscent of Carpathian roofing, while a central concrete volume houses the bathroom and kitchen utilities. But here’s where it gets controversial: the interiors are entirely encircled by curved glass walls, offering unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape. During the day, the glass facades seem to disappear, giving the illusion that the massive thatched roof is floating above the countryside. While some might argue this level of transparency sacrifices privacy, YOD Group counters with floor-to-ceiling curtains that can be controlled automatically from the bedroom, ensuring guests can retreat when needed.
The connection to nature doesn’t stop there. The floors are covered in smooth pebbles that spill out beyond the glass walls, blurring the line between indoors and outdoors. The interiors are furnished with pieces from Ukrainian designers, including furniture by Kateryna Sokolova for Noom and black clay decor by Guculiya, contributing to a neutral, eco-minimalist aesthetic. Wooden accents, plush seating, and an open fireplace—peeking through a round void in the wall as a nod to traditional stoves—add warmth and texture.
Volodymyr Nepiyvoda, co-owner of YOD Group, describes the interior as a celebration of modern eco-minimalism, with a restrained color palette and tactile surfaces that create a calm, cohesive environment. But here’s the bold question: does this reinterpretation of traditional Ukrainian architecture honor its roots, or does it risk losing the essence of the mazanka in its pursuit of modernity? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
YOD Group’s work doesn’t stop here. They’ve also created lamps from spent ammunition shells collected during the Ukraine war and designed a restaurant in Bukovel zoned by mycelium curtains. Each project pushes boundaries while staying deeply connected to Ukrainian culture. The stunning photography by Mykhailo Lukashuk captures every detail, inviting us to appreciate the beauty of this unique blend of old and new. What do you think—is this a harmonious fusion, or a step too far? Share your opinions below!
