Under the Reed Roof: YOD Group’s Minimalist Forest Haven
These twin cabins reinterpret traditional Hata-Mazanka huts with glass façades and light-filled interiors.
Summary
- YOD Group’s Under the Reed Roof Guesthouses reinterpret traditional Ukrainian Hata-Mazanka architecture with sculptural reed roofs and transparent glass façades
- Each 50m² guesthouse balances vernacular inspiration with modern minimalism, emphasizing openness and natural light
The Under the Reed Roof Guesthouses in Ukraine, designed by YOD Group, reinterpret traditional vernacular architecture through a contemporary lens. Inspired by the classic Hata-Mazanka with its thick whitewashed walls and thatched roofs, the project replaces opacity with transparency, using fully glazed façades to flood interiors with natural light.
The project consists of two identical guest buildings located in a pine forest, designed to replace old, outdated structures that previously occupied the site. The architecture is defined by its deep integration into the natural landscape, aiming to provide guests with a secluded, meditative experience that emphasizes a connection with the surrounding environment. The oversized reed roof becomes the defining architectural gesture, sculptural in form and instantly recognizable, evoking imagery of a tall hat or mushroom rising from the landscape. This bold silhouette anchors the guesthouses within their natural surroundings while paying homage to local heritage.
Each guesthouse measures approximately 50 square meters and is designed to balance simplicity with expressive detail. The reed roof not only provides shelter but also creates a striking contrast with the clean, minimalist glass façades.
Inside, the guesthouses prioritize a minimalist and warm aesthetic, featuring a layout that revolves around a central living area with a fireplace. The use of natural materials continues inside, with wooden surfaces and neutral tones that echo the forest setting. A key feature is the inclusion of a private terrace for each house, sheltered by the overhanging reed roof, which functions as an outdoor living space.
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