1654/ZUZU
The 1654 / ZUZU project is a living architectural story in the heart of Kharkiv — two spaces that embody the rhythm of the modern city.
What began as an urban café evolved into a full-scale restaurant, forming a single architectural ecosystem where daylight and evening ambience merge seamlessly.
Every element — from the tactile texture of micro-concrete to the reflection of brushed steel — was designed with precision and intention. Together, they form an environment that feels both fast and contemplative, raw and refined, like the city itself.
What began as an urban café evolved into a full-scale restaurant, forming a single architectural ecosystem where daylight and evening ambience merge seamlessly.
Every element — from the tactile texture of micro-concrete to the reflection of brushed steel — was designed with precision and intention. Together, they form an environment that feels both fast and contemplative, raw and refined, like the city itself.
GORCAFE 1654
location Kharkiv (Ukraine) / area 2,370 ft²/ year 2017 /budget 80 000$ / duration 6 month
CONSTRUCTION
The transformation of 1654 began with a complete demolition and reconstruction from the ground up. The entire space was reimagined as a sculptural composition of pure geometry, light, and material.
Floors and walls were finished in micro-concrete, creating a seamless architectural shell — a monolithic envelope that feels continuous and tactile.
Engineering systems were fully restructured: ventilation and HVAC ducts were integrated within the ceiling, preserving visual height and spatial calm.
Satin-finished aluminum windows, left unpainted, introduced a tone of honest industrial minimalism.
Engineering systems were fully restructured: ventilation and HVAC ducts were integrated within the ceiling, preserving visual height and spatial calm.
Satin-finished aluminum windows, left unpainted, introduced a tone of honest industrial minimalism.
A custom-built bar station, crafted from stainless steel and natural wood, became the compositional core of the café.
Every piece of furniture and equipment was made to order, supervised down to the smallest joinery detail.
The result is a clean, resonant space where materials speak louder than decoration — an urban interior that lives by rhythm and precision.
Every piece of furniture and equipment was made to order, supervised down to the smallest joinery detail.
The result is a clean, resonant space where materials speak louder than decoration — an urban interior that lives by rhythm and precision.
Project Execution Overview — “1654”
• Complete demolition and reconfiguration into an open-space layout.
• Full replacement of engineering systems (ventilation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing).
• Installation of balanced supply-and-exhaust ventilation with heat recovery.
• Application of micro-concrete to floors and walls, achieving a continuous “shell” effect.
• Installation of satin-finish aluminum window systems left unpainted for raw aesthetic.
• Fabrication of custom stainless steel and wood bar station based on detailed shop drawings.
• Bespoke furniture production under direct technical supervision.
• Implementation of layered lighting scenarios.
• Final commissioning and project delivery.
• Complete demolition and reconfiguration into an open-space layout.
• Full replacement of engineering systems (ventilation, HVAC, electrical, plumbing).
• Installation of balanced supply-and-exhaust ventilation with heat recovery.
• Application of micro-concrete to floors and walls, achieving a continuous “shell” effect.
• Installation of satin-finish aluminum window systems left unpainted for raw aesthetic.
• Fabrication of custom stainless steel and wood bar station based on detailed shop drawings.
• Bespoke furniture production under direct technical supervision.
• Implementation of layered lighting scenarios.
• Final commissioning and project delivery.
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ZUZU
location Kharkiv (Ukraine) / area 2,155 ft²/ year 2017 /budget 450 000$ / duration 6 month
CONSTRUCTION
ZUZU emerged as a natural extension of 1654 — an evening continuation of its architectural language.
Where 1654 celebrates light and openness, Zuzu explores intimacy, contrast, and rhythm.
Where 1654 celebrates light and openness, Zuzu explores intimacy, contrast, and rhythm.
Construction began with a complete spatial reconfiguration, designed to synchronize all engineering systems with the adjacent café.
Advanced ventilation and smoke-extraction systems were implemented for the open kitchen and bakery, while acoustic ceilings ensured sound comfort without compromising height.
The bar and bakery were conceived not just as functional zones, but as active architectural gestures — elements that shape the space and atmosphere.
Advanced ventilation and smoke-extraction systems were implemented for the open kitchen and bakery, while acoustic ceilings ensured sound comfort without compromising height.
The bar and bakery were conceived not just as functional zones, but as active architectural gestures — elements that shape the space and atmosphere.
Custom stainless-steel worktops, handcrafted wooden furniture, and micro-concrete floors echo the tactile continuity of 1654, maintaining a dialogue between both interiors.
Lighting scenarios were designed to adapt the restaurant through the day — from early breakfast calm to the vibrant pulse of evening service.
The result is an interior that balances precision and emotion: architecture that moves like music.
Lighting scenarios were designed to adapt the restaurant through the day — from early breakfast calm to the vibrant pulse of evening service.
The result is an interior that balances precision and emotion: architecture that moves like music.
Project Execution Overview — “ZUZU”
• Complete demolition and spatial reconstruction.
• Engineering systems redesigned to synchronize with café infrastructure.
• Installation of ventilation and smoke-extraction systems for kitchen and bakery.
• Ceiling soundproofing and acoustic optimization.
• Integration of open bar and bakery as architectural focal points.
• Fabrication of custom bar stations, work surfaces, and furniture from stainless steel and solid wood.
• Micro-concrete flooring to retain visual continuity with 1654.
• Multi-scene lighting design (day / dinner / bar).
• Final commissioning, calibration, and handover.
• Complete demolition and spatial reconstruction.
• Engineering systems redesigned to synchronize with café infrastructure.
• Installation of ventilation and smoke-extraction systems for kitchen and bakery.
• Ceiling soundproofing and acoustic optimization.
• Integration of open bar and bakery as architectural focal points.
• Fabrication of custom bar stations, work surfaces, and furniture from stainless steel and solid wood.
• Micro-concrete flooring to retain visual continuity with 1654.
• Multi-scene lighting design (day / dinner / bar).
• Final commissioning, calibration, and handover.
From an early age, I’ve had the ability to adapt quickly to complex situations and find solutions where others see only dead ends. This trait has become my key tool in managing large-scale projects: from overcoming construction challenges to navigating documentation and regulatory approvals. I solve problems fast — to keep moving forward — and thoroughly — so there’s never a need to revisit them.
My work is about complete transformation. I take the keys to an abandoned, empty space and leave only when the tables are set, the plates are ready, and the manager receives the symbolic new keys tied with a ribbon. It’s a journey from chaos to structure, from a bare framework to a space that operates as a seamless mechanism. And it’s this responsibility for the final result that defines me and my work.
My work is about complete transformation. I take the keys to an abandoned, empty space and leave only when the tables are set, the plates are ready, and the manager receives the symbolic new keys tied with a ribbon. It’s a journey from chaos to structure, from a bare framework to a space that operates as a seamless mechanism. And it’s this responsibility for the final result that defines me and my work.
artur.mishuk@gmail.com
