Cabin: A New Era in Hospitality Design

In the evolving world of sustainable architecture and innovative hospitality design, a pioneering project has emerged from Kyiv, Ukraine. Bearing the name “Namity Cabins,” this modular accommodation system for hospitality, designed by the visionary duo Roman and Dmytro Seliuk, offers a radical rethinking of how we live within landscapes. This project, a work of precisely engineered prefabrication, blends the raw, emotional nostalgia of childhood shelters with a forward-thinking, sustainable construction methodology, setting a new standard for flexible tourist accommodation.

Project Details

Architect Designers: Roman and Dmytro Seliuk
Area: 256 sqm
Year: 2025
Photographs: Dmytro Seliuk
Category: Hospitality Architecture, Cabins & Houses
Design Team: Roman and Dmytro Seliuk
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

The Conceptual Foundation: A Bridge Between Nostalgia and Innovation

The core inspiration for Namity Cabins is profoundly human, derived from the universal childhood experiences of building huts from branches and intimate memories of holidaying in tents. The designers sought to capture the essence of these improvised shelters—their simplicity, direct connection to the environment, and sense of adventure. This emotional reference is then elevated through the lens of high-design, merging these nostalgic patterns with a futuristic aesthetic. The result is an architectural language that feels both familiar and stunningly novel, creating a deeply immersive guest experience that begins with a spark of memory.

Design Philosophy: Mono-Functional Units and Boundless Variety

The structural genius of the system lies in its adherence to two core principles: mono-functionality and variety. Each individual unit is dedicated to one primary purpose—sleeping, bathing, or living—with its volume finely tuned to its spatial needs. This approach moves away from the traditional “one-size-fits-all” cabin model.

By using two distinct unit sizes, the system achieves remarkable flexibility. This allows for twelve initial spatial configurations, with the potential for more, enabling the cabins to be tailored to specific site conditions without compromising design integrity. This prefabricated modular system is perfectly suited to sensitive or challenging terrain, such as dense forests or uneven topography, where traditional construction is disruptive and costly. The units can be strategically placed amongst existing trees, minimizing the environmental footprint and preserving the natural ecosystem.

The namety cabins / roman & dmytro seliuk

The Connective Element: Transparent Links as a Design Feature

Perhaps the most innovative design feature is the method of connection. Instead of solid, opaque corridors, the units are linked by fully transparent connectors—enclosures made of glass floors, walls, and ceilings. These connectors act as a “third unit,” serving as interstitial spaces filled with light that dissolve the boundaries between inside and outside.

These glass links are not merely functional; they are compositional. They allow for angular shifts and deliberate misalignments between units, creating dynamic, asymmetrical clusters. This arranged randomness visually mimics the informal, haphazard arrangement of tents on a campsite, further reinforcing the project’s conceptual roots while providing a truly unique spatial experience as occupants move through the complex.

Materiality and Sensory Experience: The Corten Steel Mesh

The architectural strength of Namity Cabins is amplified through strategic material contrast. The core volume is wrapped in a secondary skin of semi-transparent Corten steel mesh, a material choice rich with aesthetic and functional intent. This outer shell rests elegantly on slender vertical frames, subtly reminiscent of the branches of a hand-built shelter.

A Dynamic Day-to-Night Transformation

The Corten mesh is the project’s chameleon, dictating its character throughout the day. In sunlight, the material resembles a delicate fabric swaying in the wind, softening the geometric forms of the units and allowing them to blend seamlessly into the dappled light of the forest. At dusk, a magical transformation occurs: internal lighting causes the entire mesh shell to emit a soft, volumetric glow. This effect shifts the visual focus from individual windows to the entire structure, transforming the cabins into a cluster of glowing lanterns nestled in the landscape. This glow enhances the immersive, almost magical character of the project, making it a landmark by both day and night.

Environmental Integration and Sustainable Hospitality

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the design shows deep respect for its environment. The use of a prefabricated modular system means most components were manufactured off-site, significantly reducing construction waste and disruption at the installation location. The raised frames and minimal ground contact help preserve the soil and local flora beneath each unit.

Each unit is equipped with four directional openings and a roof aperture, facilitating cross-ventilation and flooding the interiors with natural light, thereby reducing reliance on climate control and artificial lighting. This thoughtful approach positions Namity Cabins not merely as a design statement, but as a prototype for sustainable future hospitality that prioritizes harmony with nature.

Conclusion: The Future of Flexible Architecture Embedded in Nature

Namity Cabins by Roman and Dmytro Seliuk are far more than just a collection of holiday units; they are a compelling argument for a new direction in architecture. They prove that flexibility, sustainability, and profound beauty can coexist. By leveraging modular prefabrication, thoughtful materiality, and a deeply human-centric concept, this project offers a scalable, sensitive, and stunning model for developing tourist accommodation in the world’s most precious natural sites. It is a testament to Ukrainian architectural innovation on the global stage.

(✦ An Editorial Note from ArchUp)

This modular hospitality project reinterprets childhood nostalgia for improvised shelters through a sophisticated architectural lens, proposing a scalable system for sensitive natural sites. Its core strength lies in the poetic material dialogue, particularly the Corten mesh shell that transforms from a tangible facade by day into an ethereal lantern by night. However, a critic might wonder if the “mono-functional” unit approach could feel restrictive for guests on longer stays, potentially calling for more hybrid or adaptable interior configurations to enhance comfort. Nevertheless, the design’s ultimate triumph is its deep empathy for the environment, achieving a delicate balance between lightweight intervention and a strong aesthetic presence that truly honors its forest context.