Maia House
Not every project begins with a blank sheet. Maia House is a story of rethinking an existing architectural structure, where the main goal was not to create a new form, but to reveal the potential of what was already there. Working simultaneously with the architecture and the interior, we developed a new way of living in the house while preserving its character and emphasizing its strengths. Natural light became one of the key tools in this transformation.
The name Maia House emerged after this idea had already taken shape. Maia is one of the brightest stars in the Pleiades cluster, clearly visible above the house during the colder months. In mythology, she symbolizes motherhood, care, and life-giving energy. Here, too, light enters from above, becoming an invisible element that fills the house with life, warmth, and a sense of comfort.
LocationKhmelnytskyi Region, UkraineArea270 m²Year2026PhotoAndriy Shurpenkov
Idea
Light became not only a symbol of the project, but also the key tool that shaped its architectural and planning decisions. We wanted it to reach even the most secluded parts of the house, create natural scenarios for everyday life, and emphasize the harmonious connection between the interior and its surroundings. The project was designed around a constant play of light and shadow, the beauty of natural textures, and a variety of lighting conditions throughout the day.
Objectives and Challenges
Our task was to create a house that would remain equally comfortable today and decades from now. It was important to consider the family’s everyday habits, patterns of movement, and the relationship between shared and private areas, while ensuring that every square meter contributed to the residents’ comfort. The space needed to bring the family together while remaining functional, calm, and as natural as possible.
The greatest challenge was working with the existing architecture. The internal corridors and central part of the house received insufficient daylight. Another important task was to create a protected space in accordance with the two-wall safety rule without compromising the overall sense of comfort and homelike atmosphere.
Solutions
The façades were finished in natural wood and travertine — materials that age beautifully while remaining durable and timeless. The same materials flow naturally into the interior of the house.
To bring daylight into the dark internal corridors and the central part of the house, we introduced skylights that fill the circulation areas with soft natural light. In the living room, a double-height space opens the interior vertically, bringing in a greater sense of air and emphasizing the clarity of the space.
The layout is based on a clear distinction between shared and private areas. At the heart of the house is a common living space where the kitchen, dining area, and living room with a fireplace flow seamlessly into one another, creating a natural rhythm for everyday life, relaxation, and entertaining guests.
The safety requirements were integrated discreetly: the protected area based on the two-wall rule was concealed within the walk-in wardrobe, preserving the integrity and aesthetics of the interior.
Details
The atmosphere of Maia House is shaped by materials that invite touch. The smooth sofa in the living room contrasts with the richly textured, slightly shaggy chairs around the kitchen island and dining table.
In the dining area, the focal point is a round table beneath a light, almost weightless pendant lamp with a texture reminiscent of rice paper. It gently diffuses the light and reinforces the softness of the composition.
In the private bedrooms, this sense of softness continues through expressive upholstered headboards, turning each room into a personal retreat for rest and recovery.
Conclusion
The defining result of the project is a sense of complete calm. Maia House brings together safety, a carefully considered logic for everyday life, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere designed to remain relevant beyond passing trends.
