Fragments of the past become the soil for future blooms.
Life will always find its way.
Type
In progress
Location
Poltava region, Ukraine
Area
190 м2
Year
2025
PROLOGUE
RENOVATION AS REINTERPRETATION
Scattered across Ukraine are countless typical brick houses from the 1960s–1980s — faceless “boxes” with no heritage, no identity. Built at a time of rupture, when Ukrainian architectural traditions were being erased, these buildings were made simply to be endured, not to be lived in.
But it wasn’t always this way. Until the mid-20th century, Ukrainian homes were built from local materials — primarily wood — with thatched or reed roofs, blending harmoniously into the landscape. Our architectural language was rich, expressive, and deeply connected to place. Today, we have the tools and knowledge to thoughtfully revive and reimagine those traditions.
Tearing down such houses is expensive and environmentally damaging. Living in them without intervention is equally uncomfortable and unsustainable. Renovation offers a third way: to preserve the time-tested structure while integrating modern design and technologies — all through the lens of cultural continuity.
THE IDEA: HYPERLOCALITY AND SUSTAINABLE CONSTRUCTION
SVITLYTSIA is a renovation project of a typical mid-century home in the Poltava region. The name “svitlytsia” refers to the warmest, most intimate room in a traditional Ukrainian home — the heart of family life. That’s exactly what we’re striving for: to give a previously utilitarian space a new soul, new beauty, and new comfort.
Our guiding principle was hyperlocality — the conscious use of materials and techniques native to the region. Clay, wicker, wood, traditional plaster — each element is characteristic of the Poltava area. This approach preserves local architectural identity, reinforces the building’s connection to its surroundings, and minimizes the environmental impact (especially transport logistics).
THE SOLUTION
We preserved the original brick framework, covering it with natural clay — a breathable material that helps maintain a comfortable indoor microclimate. Clay also has a grounding, calming psychological effect. We introduced handcrafted wicker panels, echoing traditional Ukrainian exterior detailing and enriching the facade with cultural depth. The interiors were reimagined for modern life. The first floor became an open-plan living space with an expanded lounge, kitchen, and bathroom. The abandoned attic was transformed into two bedrooms and a second bathroom. In this way, we turned a lifeless "box" into a functional, warm, and modern home. The facade features traditional-style plaster reminiscent of historic mazanka houses, highlighted with a black decorative outline. The old asbestos-containing slate roof was removed (as it is now recognized as hazardous) and replaced with painted wicker laid over metal sheeting — an authentic, practical, and safe solution.
A GARDEN TO COME HOME TO
Outside, SVITLYTSIA is completed with a meditative rock garden, a covered terrace, and a fire pit — perfect for long evening conversations. A wooden decorative screen casts dynamic shadows throughout the day, creating an ever-changing atmosphere.
Utility buildings are adorned with our QUADROPOD elements — recipients of the Red Dot Design Award — while the centerpiece of the yard is our DIDO: a protective art object symbolizing ancestral continuity and the living spirit of Ukrainian culture.
THE NUMBERS
The exterior renovation (excluding the DIDO and QUADROPOD elements), based on preliminary estimates by our partner Obolon Brick, amounts to approximately $72,000. This includes $15,000 allocated for the new roof, $7,000 for the staircase, and another $20,000 for construction materials.
By comparison, demolishing such a house would cost at least $10,000, while building a new home of the same size and layout — without exterior finishes — would start from $90,000. Purchasing a similar existing property starts at around $20,000, depending on the region.
RENOVATION ≠ COSMETIC REPAIR
Renovation is not just a facelift. It is a comprehensive process of revitalization, where outdated architecture is reinterpreted and given new cultural and aesthetic meaning. We don’t just fix homes — we embed new stories and new value into them.
MAKHNO Studio's renovation service offers tailor-made architectural solutions that honor the cultural code of your region while reflecting your individual needs. It is a way to build a bridge between past and future — precisely the kind of bridge many forces now try to destroy beneath us.
