Project: Dzen House
Architecture: Shovk Studio
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Area: 117 m2
Year: 2024
Photo Credits: Yevhenii Avramenko
Dzen House by Shovk Studio is a peaceful retreat designed for those seeking calm and a connection with nature. Its architectural design honors Japanese traditions, featuring an overarching roof with exposed structures, wood cladding using the kisugi technique, a streamlined layout, and a tatami area on the second floor.
Ground Level Design
The ground level includes a communal space housing the kitchen and living area. At the center are the staircase, bathroom, and utility rooms. This layout creates both private and connected spaces. The design around the central core enhances ease of movement while expanding the sense of spaciousness.
Cultural Fusion
Both internally and externally, the first floor showcases rugged “mazanka” plaster, reminiscent of traditional Ukrainian rural dwellings. The blend of Ukrainian and Japanese motifs in the intricate details creates a captivating cultural fusion.
Integration with Nature
Adjacent to the house is a picturesque coniferous garden, inspiring the use of panoramic windows throughout areas frequented by residents. In the living room, expansive frameless windows from floor to ceiling integrate the interior with the natural surroundings.
Upper Floor Retreat
The second floor features a low attic space meticulously lined with birch plywood, its exterior adorned with kisugi wood. This level hosts two bedrooms, a study, a serene retreat for relaxation and meditation with a round window and tatami flooring, alongside a bathroom and utility room. The master bedroom dedicates more than half of its space to a ground-level bed podium beneath an expansive frameless window.
Tatami Space
The tatami space doubles as a venue for tea ceremonies and contemplation, offering views of raindrops cascading from the eaves of the overarching roof through the circular window.
Comfort and Microclimate
Beyond aesthetics, Dzen House fosters a healthy microclimate and unparalleled comfort. The concrete flooring on the first level retains and gently diffuses warmth from the embedded heating system, prioritizing comfort for residents’ feet while preventing air from becoming overly heated. A ventilation system ensures a continuous supply of fresh air at optimal temperatures, facilitating effortless respiration.
Central Fireplace
A focal point within the home is the fireplace, strategically positioned near the center of the living room adjacent to the panoramic window. This placement allows residents to bask in the warmth of the fire while enjoying panoramic views of the garden, especially during cool weather. The fireplace efficiently heats both floors, with the stainless steel chimney pipe passing through the bedroom, adding warmth and serving as a decorative interior element.
Conclusion
Dzen House by Shovk Studio is a testament to the harmonious blend of Japanese and Ukrainian architectural traditions. By integrating cultural motifs, maximizing natural light, and creating a serene living environment, this home provides a tranquil retreat for its residents. Its thoughtful design and sustainable features make Dzen House a unique and inspiring sanctuary, perfectly blending aesthetics with functionality and comfort.
