- Project: Buddy's House
- Architect: Sergey Makhno
- Location: Ukraine, Horenychi, Kyivs'ka oblast
- Year: 2014
- Area: 235 m2
- Photography: Andrey Avdeenko
Perched on a 12-acre site in Horenychi Village, near Kyiv, Buddy’s House by Sergey Makhno Architects is a bold expression of modern Ukrainian residential design. Composed of massive orthogonal volumes in black brick, natural oak, and concrete, the home balances heaviness and light through strategic glazing, contrast, and material layering.
Architectural Philosophy: Contrast and Connection
Designed for a family seeking both privacy and connection to nature, the home eliminates boundaries between indoor and outdoor spaces through expansive windows and a seamless public-private transition. Glazing in the living room and primary bedroom dissolves walls, allowing nature to flood the interiors.
“We used contrast—black vs. light, heavy vs. airy, smooth vs. textured—to unify the architecture and the landscape,” – Sergey Makhno
The façade combines dark cement blocks with natural oak accents, creating a warm yet minimalist aesthetic. A secondary guest house, courtyard, and barbecue zone add layers of functionality to the site, reinforcing its retreat-like ambiance.
Interior Composition and Features
Buddy’s House spans two levels and includes:
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Ground Floor:
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Open-plan kitchen, dining, and living areas
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6-meter-high library wall
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Guest bedroom with ensuite
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Large wardrobe, bathroom, and a quartzite-top kitchen island
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Fireplace (used for heating the entire ground floor)
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First Floor:
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3 family bedrooms
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2 ensuite baths + 2 wardrobes
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Main bathroom with glass partitions
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Children’s room lit by overhead sun tubes
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The custom-made furniture, crafted by local artisans, enhances the home’s authenticity and minimalism. Materials are selected for both aesthetic warmth and practical longevity.
Lighting and Atmosphere
Thoughtful lighting design allows residents to control ambiance with options for bright task lighting or softer decorative modes. In the children’s room and library, natural light filters in from skylights, creating an uplifting atmosphere throughout the day.
Buddy’s House by Sergey Makhno is a striking study in spatial contrast, local craftsmanship, and minimalist living. Rooted in Ukrainian soil yet open to global design trends, it’s a powerful example of how modern homes can be both grounded and visionary.
