The KYOTO HOUSE, a century-old residence in Kyoto, Japan, exudes the rich traditions of Japanese culture. Seeking to merge this historical ambiance with modern touches, MAKHNO Studio, a Ukrainian design studio, tastefully updated a section of the house. The challenge was to respect the enduring spirit of Japanese tradition while adding a Ukrainian aesthetic.

The interior of the house features traditional elements such as textured clay wall surfaces, tatami mats, and shoji screens. The floor plan is designed for low furniture placement, ideal for staging tea ceremonies and accommodating overnight guests. MAKHNO Studio carefully introduced modern elements like Wassily chairs by Marcel Breuer for Knoll, integrating them harmoniously with the traditional Japanese elements.

The design also incorporates elements of Ukrainian aesthetics, including zoomorphic ceramics and earthenware by Slavko Odarchenko from MAKHNO Studio, paintings by Oleksandr Babak, and traditional and modern Japanese graphics. These additions are subtle, blending seamlessly with the existing space to create an atmosphere that is both historic and contemporary.

In addition, the house features a small tea garden called a “roji,” adorned with Japanese ritual stones and Ukrainian art sculptures by DIDO. These sculptures serve as protective totems, adding a touch of charm and shielding occupants from negative energy.

The KYOTO HOUSE is a testament to the harmonious convergence of the Japanese and Ukrainian cultures. It invites individuals to immerse themselves in the serene simplicity of tea ceremonies and to appreciate the beauty of Japanese heritage. This remarkable residence demonstrates that cultural fusion can create a home that is both timeless and vibrant.

Sources:

– MAKHNO Studio: https://makhno.shop/

– Design Milk: https://design-milk.com/