Architects: SHOVK | Ruslan Lytvynenko, Anton Verhun

Architectural visualization: Аlexander Velgan

Area: 120 sq. m

Location: Carpathians, Ukraine

Project year: 2026

Nestled within the open slopes of the Ukrainian Carpathian Mountains, this single-family lodge was envisioned as a place of seclusion, silence, and a deep connection with nature. Its architecture forms a restrained monolithic volume that gently integrates into the landscape while emphasizing the grandeur of the surrounding mountains.

The facade is clad in black timber – a deep, tactile, and natural material that transforms with the changing seasons, light, and weather. The entrance facade is completely solid and enclosed, creating a sense of privacy, protection, and architectural restraint. This minimal outer shell contrasts with the opposite side of the house, where the space opens entirely toward panoramic mountain views.

Expansive glazing along the main facade frames the landscape and brings nature into the heart of the interior. In every season – from snow-covered peaks and misty mornings to lush summer slopes – the landscape becomes an essential part of the living space.

Functionally, the house is designed as a comfortable holiday home for one family. The layout includes two bedrooms, a private study, and an open-plan living–dining–kitchen area that serves as the heart of the home. At its core, a fireplace creates warmth and a sense of calm, becoming a focal point for rest and quiet evenings during Carpathian winter nights.

Its simple pitched-roof form, dark timber volume, and clean geometry allow the house to exist harmoniously within its natural surroundings without overpowering them. It is an architecture of silence – restrained, honest, and timeless.

More than just a holiday home, it is a space designed for slowing down, restoring balance, and fully experiencing the natural beauty of the Carpathian Mountains.