MAKHNO STUDIO INTRODUCES ITS OWN BUILDING MATERIAL – BREATHABLE WALLS

MAKHNO Studio presents a proprietary material – Breathable Walls – handcrafted from unfired clay and more than 50 natural additives. This is a response to the modern human need for a healthy environment, tactile aesthetics, and visual calm.

The concept

In global architecture, there is an increasing demand for materials that are not only sustainable but also psychologically comforting. People are tired of “dead” surfaces like plastic, drywall, and foam. We offer an alternative – a living material that breathes with the space.

Breathable Walls is our statement in wellness design – design that cares for the human psyche, says Serhii Makhno, the author of the idea and founder of MAKHNO Studio.

Clay walls enriched with natural fibers were once common in traditional Ukrainian homes. This is where the saying “walls can heal” comes from. We are reviving the power of native walls.

What are Breathable Walls
These are next-generation clay panels and blocks, made entirely by hand without machines or kilns. The composition includes only natural materials: clay, straw, wood shavings, chaff, flax, herbs, and over 50 local fillers. Thanks to this, the blocks and panels:

– provide passive ventilation of interior spaces
– reduce the carbon footprint of construction
– support mental and emotional well-being
– follow no-toxic and zero-waste production principles

The product is the result of seven years of development and twenty years of research by Serhii Makhno and his team.

The first application of Breathable Walls was in MAKHNO Studio’s iconic SHKRUB HOUSE. In 2024, the material received a gold award at the Dezeen Awards in the category Surface Design of the Year.

Formats

Breathable Blocks
Suitable for finishing and for constructing load-bearing walls in one- and two-storey buildings. They ensure structural strength while preserving the material’s natural breathability.

Breathable Panels
An ideal solution for cladding façades and interiors, and for mounting furniture, shelves, lighting, and other decorative elements.

Both formats are installed using a traditional clay, sand, and water mix. Installation is carried out by specialists in conventional bricklaying. A step-by-step installation guide is included with the product.

Now available for order.
Production time: 30 working days.