Reimagining the Ukrainian Hata-Mazanka

Nestled on…

a private estate in central Ukraine, the Under the Reed Roof guesthouses present a bold reinterpretation of the traditional Ukrainian hata-mazanka home. Spearheaded by YOD Group, this project transforms the hata-mazanka vernacular archetype into a contemporary architectural experience, where transparency, light, and sculptural form converge into a singular, evocative gesture.

The Ukrainian…

hata-mazanka evolved from practical responses to local materials, climate, and daily rituals. Thick, whitewashed walls, thatched roofs, and carefully plastered surfaces were more than construction choices—they reflected care, order, and an aesthetic aspiration embedded in rural life. YOD Group’s reinterpretation distills these core qualities into a modern context. The guesthouses feature fully glazed façades, dissolving the barrier between interior and landscape, while the roof—a deliberately oversized sculptural element—becomes the defining visual signature. Rising like a tall hat or a giant mushroom from the surrounding greenery, the roof anchors the design both symbolically and physically.

“Our philosophy of terroir design goes beyond working with local materials or familiar forms,” says Volodymyr Nepiyvoda, co-owner and managing partner of YOD Group. “It is about uncovering the essence of a place and decoding its cultural meanings.”

Inside…

the spatial arrangement revolves around a central concrete core housing the bathroom, flanked by a bedroom and a living area. The living room features a minimalist fireplace, a modern nod to the traditional Ukrainian stove. Deliberately, there is no television. Instead, guests are invited to focus on the flickering flame and the surrounding natural scenery, promoting calm and digital detox.

The fully glazed…

façades allow daylight to flood the interior, giving the impression that the massive thatched-inspired roof floats above the landscape. A carpet of pebble flooring runs uninterrupted from inside to out, offering a subtle tactile experience underfoot. When privacy is desired, dense yet light curtains can be drawn effortlessly via a bedside control panel, balancing seclusion and openness.

The interior…

embodies modern eco-minimalism, pairing a natural palette with tactile finishes and locally crafted objects. Furniture by Noom, black clay decor by Guculiya, and textured wooden elements create a harmonious, understated environment. A large custom floor lamp, made from ceramics and natural fibers, serves as both a functional and sculptural centerpiece in the bedroom.

The interior…

of the roof dome is lined with wooden tiles, recalling traditional Ukrainian shingles. At 10 meters at its peak, the dome amplifies verticality while concealing all technical systems, leaving walls uncluttered and visually serene. A heat pump ensures year-round comfort, integrated with discreet ventilation outlets hidden in the dome and central core, maintaining seamless functionality without compromising aesthetics.

The guesthouses…

occupy 50 square meters each and were completed in 2026. The architecture and design were led by YOD Group, including Volodymyr Nepiyvoda, Dmytro Bonesco, Natalia Tymochesko, and Yana Rogozhinska, with photography by Mykhailo Lukashuk. Furniture was supplied by Noom.

Founded in…

2004, YOD Group has built over 200 projects across 21 years, specializing in hospitality and leisure design. The studio’s ethos is holistic: blending architectural innovation with operational insight to create establishments that succeed both aesthetically and commercially. From restaurants and hotels to spas and gated communities, YOD Group not only designs spaces but also consults on market positioning, branding, and operational strategy, ensuring every project thrives within its cultural and economic context.

Under the Reed Roof…

project stands as a testament to this philosophy, demonstrating that contemporary architecture can honor tradition while reshaping the way we live, rest, and connect with the landscape. Here, the humble hata-mazanka is reborn—not as nostalgia, but as a living, breathing experience of Ukrainian heritage, light, and space.