A Thatched Roof Floats Over Glass in This Contemporary Ukrainian Guesthouse
From a distance, the form reads as a traditional Ukrainian hata. A steep thatched roof rises from the snow. Closer in, the enclosure disappears.
Designed by YOD Group, this guesthouse reinterprets the hata-mazanka by removing its defining element: thick walls. In their place, a continuous curved glass façade wraps the building, creating a transparent perimeter with no visible corners. The roof becomes the primary architectural element, carrying the historical reference while the interior remains visually exposed to the landscape.
The oversized thatched roof establishes a clear silhouette and dominates the composition. Because the cylindrical glass base is fully transparent, the roof appears detached from the ground during daylight hours. Its scale and shape reference vernacular construction while operating as a sculptural object in the landscape.
The interior plan is organized around a central concrete core that contains the bathroom. The bedroom and living area are positioned on opposite sides, following the curve of the glass walls. A minimalist fireplace in the living space references the traditional Ukrainian stove. No television is included.
Flooring is continuous from inside to outside using a stone-carpet finish, removing thresholds and reinforcing spatial continuity. The curved glazing maintains uninterrupted sightlines in all directions. Privacy is managed through full-height curtains operated from a control panel near the bed.
The interior follows an eco-minimal approach with a restrained palette and tactile materials. Furniture is produced by Ukrainian brands, including Noom. Decorative elements are limited and functional.
The interior surface of the roof dome is clad in wooden tiles, referencing traditional wooden shingles. The dome rises to a height of ten meters and conceals all engineering systems. Heating, cooling, and ventilation are integrated into the structure and remain visually hidden.
Rather than replicating a historic form, the project extracts its core principles. The roof provides identity and shelter. Curved glass replaces enclosure. The architecture prioritizes form, light, and direct contact with the surrounding landscape.
Photo credit: Mykhailo Lukashuk/
v2com-newswire.com