Designed by Shovk Studio, Dzen House is a masterpiece that blends modern aesthetics with traditional Japanese elements to create a space that fosters peace and harmony. With its focus on minimalism, natural materials, and mindfulness, Dzen House offers a unique living experience that promotes tranquility and balance in the city of Kyiv.
The communal area on the ground level of the house encompasses the kitchen and living area, with a central core that houses the staircase, bathroom, and utility rooms. This arrangement allows for both privacy and connectivity between the kitchen and living spaces. Additionally, the circulation around the central core enhances the compactness of the area, making movement easier while creating a sense of spaciousness.
The first floor of the house showcases rugged “mazanka” plaster, which is reminiscent of traditional Ukrainian rural dwellings. The intricate details of the design combine Ukrainian and Japanese motifs, resulting in a captivating cultural fusion.
Adjacent to the house is a picturesque coniferous garden, which inspired the incorporation of panoramic windows in areas frequently used by residents. In the living room, expansive frameless windows from floor to ceiling seamlessly integrate the interior with the natural surroundings.
Moving up to the second floor, there is a low attic space that is meticulously lined with birch plywood and adorned with kisugi wood on the exterior. This level includes two bedrooms, a study, a serene retreat for relaxation and meditation with a round window and tatami flooring, as well as a bathroom and utility room. The master bedroom, although compact, dedicates a significant portion of its space to a ground-level bed podium beneath a large frameless window.
The tatami area serves a dual purpose as a space for tea ceremonies and reflection, providing a vantage point to observe raindrops trickling down from the eaves of the expansive roof through the round window.
In addition to its visual appeal, the residence promotes a healthy microclimate and exceptional comfort. The ground floor’s concrete surface stores and gently disperses heat from the built-in heating system, emphasizing comfort for the occupants’ feet while preventing excessive warming of the air. An air circulation system guarantees a constant flow of fresh air at ideal temperatures, facilitating effortless breathing.
A key feature of the house is the fireplace, strategically located near the middle of the living area next to the wide window, allowing inhabitants to revel in the fire’s warmth while taking in sweeping views of the garden, especially in chilly conditions. Its placement also effectively warms both levels. The stainless steel chimney extends through the bedroom, heating the space and serving as a decorative element within the interior.