Shelter Rustle by YoDezeen Studio in Khotynivka, Ukraine

Project: Shelter Rustle Architects: YoDezeen Studio Location: Khotynivka, Ukraine Area: 13 282 sq ft Photography: Andrey Shurpenkov

Shelter Rustle by YoDezeen Studio

YoDezeen Studio designed the Shelter Rustle in Khotynivka, Ukraine. This project is located at the edge of a dense pine forest by the Black Sea and offers access to stunning natural landscapes. Of course, one of the main aspects of the design is emphasizing views of nature.

The Shelter Rustle project is located in a dense pine forest by the Black Sea. The first task for the team was to slow down, walk around the surroundings, breathe fresh air and feel the atmosphere that the client, a local developer, was trying to create. He spoke a lot about eco-friendliness in everything related to the leisure club. He aimed to complement the purity of nature with architecture that organically blends into it.

The main task for the YoDezeen team was to convey the idea of a recreational complex through architectural solutions and bring anyone closer to nature. The team developed an external design for two buildings, a restaurant and reception on both sides of the pool—main gathering points for guests—and integrated them into the overall landscape. Conceptually, this solution aims for authenticity and harmony with nature, not only through natural materials but also in the volume of construction. Thus, architects designed a light, almost weightless structure that complements the existing zen style without overburdening the space.

Both buildings made of pine beams look like giant open bird nests. The main emphasis on eco-friendliness is not only reflected in the atmosphere but also in the materials used. Therefore, pine wood of the same kind that grows in the forest surrounding the recreational complex was chosen as the primary construction material. Architects clad the outer facade with wooden slats and made internal spaces as open as possible, showing visible load-bearing beams to make the buildings appear weightless.

Architects placed the restaurant and reception at the gathering point. This allows guests to dine by the pool during the day and watch how bright lights slightly disturb the silence against the backdrop of the night forest.

–YoDezeen Studio