Traditional reed roofs meet glass façades in a minimalist Ukrainian retreat.
Vernacular Roots, Contemporary Form
YOD Group’s Under the Reed Roof Guesthouses reinterpret the classic Ukrainian Hata-Mazanka through a distinctly modern lens. While the traditional typology is known for its thick whitewashed walls and thatched roofing, this project replaces solidity with transparency. Fully glazed façades invite daylight deep into the interiors, transforming a once opaque rural form into a light filled contemporary haven.
Set within a pine forest, the two identical cabins replace outdated structures that previously occupied the site. The design seeks to create a secluded and meditative atmosphere, allowing guests to feel immersed in the surrounding landscape.
A Sculptural Reed Roof Statement
The defining architectural gesture is the oversized reed roof. Dramatic and sculptural, it rises above the cabins like a tall hat or forest mushroom, anchoring the structures within their natural setting. Beyond its visual impact, the roof pays homage to regional craftsmanship while offering practical shelter and shade.
Each 50 square meter guesthouse balances expressive detailing with restrained minimalism. The contrast between the textured reed canopy and the clean glass envelope creates a dialogue between tradition and innovation.
Warm Minimalism Inside
Interiors center around a communal living space anchored by a fireplace. Natural materials continue indoors through wooden surfaces and soft neutral tones that reflect the surrounding woodland. A private terrace extends from each cabin, protected by the deep overhang of the reed roof, serving as an outdoor living room that blurs the boundary between interior comfort and forest immersion.
Under the Reed Roof stands as a thoughtful reinterpretation of heritage architecture, where vernacular memory and contemporary clarity coexist quietly beneath a sweeping canopy of reeds.
