Located amid a pine forest in the Poltava region of Ukraine, the Guest Houses in Relax Park Verholy were designed by the Kyiv-based firm YOD Group. The project is an ongoing collaboration, with different versions of the guest houses, such as Guest Houses 3.0 and Chalet 4.0, completed in 2019 and 2016, respectively. The overarching concept is to provide a secluded, modernist escape where guests can feel closely connected to the surrounding nature. The guest houses are constructed using a prefabricated, lightweight metal frame. To minimize environmental impact on the pine forest, they are not built on traditional solid foundations but on a screw-base system. This technology allows the structures to be positioned quickly and without damaging trees or their root systems. The buildings are also elevated above the ground, which assists with waterproofing. The exterior cladding consists of heat-treated wood, which not only provides weather protection but also reflects the natural surroundings with its dark, sleek appearance. Inside, the interior design is minimalist and emphasizes natural materials, such as timber and stone, to extend the forest atmosphere into the living spaces. Large floor-to-ceiling windows and panoramic glazing further integrate the interior with the surrounding pine trees. Guest House 3.0 features a cozy patio to enhance privacy, while Chalet 4.0 includes a terrace that runs the length of the property, connecting two separate bedrooms with a shared living space. The interiors often incorporate design elements with a modern, eco-friendly approach, such as walls covered in rhythmic veneer lines that symbolize the surrounding pine trees and the use of cow skin as a nod to forest animals. Credits Architects: YOD Group Graphic Design: Pravda Design Photography: Andrey Avdeenko Client: Verholy Relax Park