Before the commencement of the design project for the Friend House Eco-hotel near the Orel River in Ukraine, extensive research was carried out on the ecostructure, wildlife and materials available in the immediate area. The findings of the research played a vital role in the design of the project by Ryntovt Design Studio and the establishment opened in 2008 as an excellent example of sustainable architecture.
Built entirely of locally sourced materials, wood, clay, stone and reeds, most of which remain in their raw state, the linear horizontal structure contains the round walled guest rooms with their cave like interiors in addition to public spaces. As the building covers only 1.750 sq.m. of the 3 hectare site, ample outdoor space is available for the guests to connect with nature and enjoy the surrounding woodlands and apple orchard, a symbolic space under Ukraine tradition. The minimal design of the interior follows the organic line of unfinished surfaces, raw wood and other recyclable low impact materials.
Ryntovt Design Studio have succeeded in creating a destination that works with nature and its guests can feel secure that everything has been done to provide a space for reflection and contemplation without compromising the longevity of our planet.
