Modern ‘hut’ mashes up Ukrainian and Japanese styles

A little bit Japanese, a little bit Ukrainian, this house outside of Kyiv, Ukraine, is a funky mix of cultural homages. Ukrainian architect Sergey Makhno designed the Shkrub House for his family with his heritage—and love for Japan—in mind.

After spending time in Japan, Makhno returned home to Ukraine with a new appreciation for his homeland. “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,” he said.

Makhno wanted the house to harken back to huts of his great grandparent—albeit with a contemporary touch. The result is a timber-clad house topped by a thatched roof. Inside, the walls are made from off-white plaster, which gives the home a rustic, textured look. Makhno incorporated principles of wabi-sabi, the Japanese appreciation of imperfection, throughout the home. A clay fireplace with an organic form anchors the double-height living room, while timber shelves made from reclaimed wood hold a sundry collection of ceramic pots.

Elsewhere on the ground floor, things get a little more modern with an expansive kitchen featuring open shelving and new, dark-hued cabinetry. Upstairs the children’s bedrooms have playful wallpaper and cozy cut-outs, while other bedrooms features tatami beds and sculptural pendant lights.