Jack’s House by Sergey Makhno: A Minimalist Budget Home in Kiev

  • Project: Jack's House
  • Architect: Sergey Makhno
  • Location: Ukraine, Kiev
  • Year: 2012
  • Area: 105 m2
  • Photography: Andrey Avdeenko

Designed by Ukrainian architect Sergey Makhno, Jack’s House proves that compelling, contemporary architecture doesn’t require an extravagant budget. Built for just $100,000, this 1,130-square-foot home in the Kiev region blends minimalist aesthetics with functional living—offering an inspiring model for cost-effective design.

Twin Volumes, Minimalist Geometry

Jack’s House is composed of two interconnected volumes, each similar in size but distinguished by material and texture:

  • One volume is finished in plaster with a geometric square pattern

  • The other is clad in black-painted horizontal wood siding

Together, these offset cubes form a clean, geometric silhouette, punctuated by large glazed openings that frame serene views of the surrounding garden and barbecue area.

“This project is about doing more with less—quality materials, thoughtful proportions, and an efficient floor plan,” – Sergey Makhno

Compact Yet Complete Layout

This two-story home has been carefully organized to include all essential living functions while maximizing comfort and space:

  • Ground Floor:

    • Living room with a concrete fireplace

    • Kitchen and dining area

    • Earth-integrated bath

  • Second Floor:

    • Two bedrooms

    • Bathroom

    • Small library/reading zone

Despite its compact size, Jack’s House creates a sense of openness and calm through clean lines, natural materials, and a strong indoor-outdoor connection.

A Sustainable, Realistic Model

The structure employs a mix of concrete and timber, chosen for both cost-efficiency and visual contrast. The simple form and careful detailing result in a home that feels both modern and timeless—and proves that great design can be accessible and sustainable.

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Photography © Andrey Avdeenko
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Jack’s House by Sergey Makhno is an architectural success story built on constraint—a weekend retreat that balances simplicity, materiality, and modern living, all within a remarkably modest budget.

Posted by Sergey Makhno

Serhii Makhno is a Ukrainian architect, designer, ceramist, and collector, born on May 21, 1981, in Kyiv. After graduating from the Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture in 2003, he founded MAKHNO Studio, a multidisciplinary firm specializing in architecture, interior design, and product design. The studio is celebrated for integrating Ukrainian cultural heritage with contemporary art, natural materials, and elements of futurism. MAKHNO Studio's philosophy is deeply influenced by the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi, emphasizing the beauty of imperfection and the natural aging process of materials. This approach is evident in their use of materials like wood, clay, and stone, and in their commitment to traditional Ukrainian craftsmanship, particularly in ceramics. The studio operates its own ceramics workshop, producing unique handmade pieces that have garnered international acclaim. Over the years, MAKHNO Studio has completed over 600 projects in 25 countries, ranging from private residences to commercial spaces. Notable projects include the Shkrub House, which won multiple international design awards, and the Underground House Plan B, a conceptual design for a post-pandemic world. The studio's work has been exhibited globally, including at Salone del Mobile in Milan, Paris Design Week, Dutch Design Week, and Les Ateliers Courbet Gallery in New York