Converting 2 Penthouses into 6 Apartments
location Kyiv (Ukraine) / area 10,765 ft²/ year 2022 /budget 600 000$ / duration 12 month
ABOUT
The project at the Aurum Residential Complex transformed two penthouses on the 22, 23, 24th floors in the heart of Kyiv into six exclusive club apartments. We divided the building’s right and left wings into separate residences — two apartments per floor, each ranging from 100 to 150 m².
I managed the project and played a key role in bringing restaurateur Dima Zaporozhets’ vision to life, turning his concept into concrete engineering and construction solutions.
We created a unique infrastructure for future residents: private lift access directly into the apartments via key cards, and a prepared rooftop area with the potential for a private lounge and pool.
Each apartment was designed under a single club-style concept, combining ergonomics, functionality, and a premium atmosphere. This project demonstrates how two large penthouses can become a private club of elite apartments in the heart of the capital.
I managed the project and played a key role in bringing restaurateur Dima Zaporozhets’ vision to life, turning his concept into concrete engineering and construction solutions.
We created a unique infrastructure for future residents: private lift access directly into the apartments via key cards, and a prepared rooftop area with the potential for a private lounge and pool.
Each apartment was designed under a single club-style concept, combining ergonomics, functionality, and a premium atmosphere. This project demonstrates how two large penthouses can become a private club of elite apartments in the heart of the capital.
Apartment "Ash in Oil"
The “Ash in Oil” apartment on the 24th floor of a high-rise in the heart of Kyiv — is a showcase of meticulous planning and bold execution. In collaboration with Rentoft, one of Ukraine’s top design and furniture studios from Kharkiv, we transformed a raw space into a minimalist yet nature-inspired interior where wood, stone and glass meet in harmony.
CONSTRUCTION
This project embodies an innovative approach to urban living. All windows were replaced with floor-to-ceiling panoramic glass, offering breathtaking views of Kyiv. The installation of these massive panes on the 24th floor was carried out by alpinists without the use of cranes, presenting a significant logistical challenge in the city center. An intelligent perimeter lighting system beneath the ceiling creates the illusion of a floating surface, enhancing the spatial experience. Each element of the interior, from the travertine-and-solid-wood kitchen island to the 200-year-old olive trees elevated to the 24th floor, reinforces the concept of a serene, tactile, club-style residence above the city.
The floor-to-ceiling windows not only expand the space but also flood the interior with natural light, providing panoramic city views.
The hidden perimeter lighting beneath the ceiling accentuates the floating effect, adding a sense of lightness and elegance to the environment.
This combination of technology and design creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and style.
The hidden perimeter lighting beneath the ceiling accentuates the floating effect, adding a sense of lightness and elegance to the environment.
This combination of technology and design creates a unique atmosphere of comfort and style.
The furniture is crafted from laminated ash, a material more stable than solid wood and far superior to veneer in quality.
Handles and accents are made from authentic branches hand-picked by designer Rentoft, adding a natural elegance to the interior.
This approach to material selection underscores attention to detail and a commitment to creating a harmonious space.
Handles and accents are made from authentic branches hand-picked by designer Rentoft, adding a natural elegance to the interior.
This approach to material selection underscores attention to detail and a commitment to creating a harmonious space.
The original ceiling was meticulously cleaned and repainted by artisans, preserving its authentic appearance and character. This added a unique charm to the interior and highlighted the historical value of the space.
The bathroom is designed in a minimalist style, reflecting the overall design of the apartment. The use of simple forms, neutral colors, and the absence of unnecessary details create an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony. This approach allows the focus to remain on the essentials—functionality and aesthetics of the space.
The bathroom is designed in a minimalist style, reflecting the overall design of the apartment. The use of simple forms, neutral colors, and the absence of unnecessary details create an atmosphere of tranquility and harmony. This approach allows the focus to remain on the essentials—functionality and aesthetics of the space.
Project Execution Overview — “Ash in Oil”
• Complete window replacement: dismantled small openings and installed full-height, wall-to-wall panoramic glazing using alpinists.
• Collaboration with Rentoft (Kharkiv) on design and custom furniture production.
• Custom ash-lamella furniture with integrated natural branches for unique handles and accents.
• Perimeter LED lighting system under the ceiling to create an atmospheric “floating ceiling” effect.
• Ash parquet flooring (same pattern as furniture) oiled for a seamless natural look.
• Underfloor heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, plus built-in convectors connected to the central heating system with individual regulation.
• Private lift integration with key-card access from the 22nd floor to the apartment and rooftop.
• Kitchen with professional appliances: built-in coffee machine, refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, wine and cigar coolers; travertine and solid-wood island.
• Transport and installation of large trees (including two 1.5-ton, 200-year-old olive trees) to the 24th-floor terrace by alpinists.
• Outdoor/indoor transition: sliding and swing door systems opening the bedroom directly onto the terrace.
• Bathroom with panoramic window: integrated shower, bathtub, oversized sink, custom rotating mirror.
• Preservation and restoration of original concrete ceiling, with artistic patching of imperfections for a raw yet refined finish.
• Complete window replacement: dismantled small openings and installed full-height, wall-to-wall panoramic glazing using alpinists.
• Collaboration with Rentoft (Kharkiv) on design and custom furniture production.
• Custom ash-lamella furniture with integrated natural branches for unique handles and accents.
• Perimeter LED lighting system under the ceiling to create an atmospheric “floating ceiling” effect.
• Ash parquet flooring (same pattern as furniture) oiled for a seamless natural look.
• Underfloor heating, ventilation and air-conditioning systems, plus built-in convectors connected to the central heating system with individual regulation.
• Private lift integration with key-card access from the 22nd floor to the apartment and rooftop.
• Kitchen with professional appliances: built-in coffee machine, refrigerators, ovens, cooktops, wine and cigar coolers; travertine and solid-wood island.
• Transport and installation of large trees (including two 1.5-ton, 200-year-old olive trees) to the 24th-floor terrace by alpinists.
• Outdoor/indoor transition: sliding and swing door systems opening the bedroom directly onto the terrace.
• Bathroom with panoramic window: integrated shower, bathtub, oversized sink, custom rotating mirror.
• Preservation and restoration of original concrete ceiling, with artistic patching of imperfections for a raw yet refined finish.
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Apartment "Polished Walnut"
The “Polished Walnut” apartment is a refined blend of timeless materials and modern engineering.
A space where design and architecture elevate everyday living into a unique experience above the city.
A space where design and architecture elevate everyday living into a unique experience above the city.
CONSTRUCTION
The “Polished Walnut” apartment on the 23rd floor, in the very heart of Kyiv, is a striking example of how authentic materials can be paired with bold engineering. The centerpiece of this space is its extraordinary 20.3 ft (6.20 m) ceiling height, which allowed us to create a mezzanine guest bedroom with a private bathroom directly above the corridor.
We replaced and expanded every window opening — floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall — installing panoramic glass that opens a sweeping 180° view over the city. The apartment became filled with light, with a true sense of living above the skyline.
Two large sliding systems became defining elements. From the bedroom, they open directly onto the terrace, instantly transforming the room into an open-air retreat on the 23rd floor — a place to sleep under the stars and breathe the fresh air that high above the city feels crisp and clear. From the living room, another sliding system turns the entire space into a terrace: the soaring ceiling height makes it possible to see the sky from every angle, creating the unique feeling of being both sheltered and outdoors at the same time.
We replaced and expanded every window opening — floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall — installing panoramic glass that opens a sweeping 180° view over the city. The apartment became filled with light, with a true sense of living above the skyline.
Two large sliding systems became defining elements. From the bedroom, they open directly onto the terrace, instantly transforming the room into an open-air retreat on the 23rd floor — a place to sleep under the stars and breathe the fresh air that high above the city feels crisp and clear. From the living room, another sliding system turns the entire space into a terrace: the soaring ceiling height makes it possible to see the sky from every angle, creating the unique feeling of being both sheltered and outdoors at the same time.
The design is anchored by polished walnut, echoing the aesthetic of vintage Soviet furniture but reimagined in a contemporary way: glossy finishes, clean lines, and premium texture.
Complementing it is Burmese teak parquet salvaged from a 200-year-old Sri Lankan temple, now reinterpreted into flooring with timeless character.
Complementing it is Burmese teak parquet salvaged from a 200-year-old Sri Lankan temple, now reinterpreted into flooring with timeless character.
A sculptural metal staircase connects the two levels.
Built from a single steel sheet 0.4” (1 cm) thick, welded into a seamless monolith without support profiles, it feels more like an art installation than a piece of construction, bringing power and precision to the space.
Built from a single steel sheet 0.4” (1 cm) thick, welded into a seamless monolith without support profiles, it feels more like an art installation than a piece of construction, bringing power and precision to the space.
The challenge of greenery was met with scale: we lifted several trees weighing over a ton each to the terrace — including two monumental olive trees more than 200 years old.
Engineering solutions included heated floors, ventilation and air conditioning, and track lighting, all integrated while preserving the exposed concrete ceiling restored by artists. The apartment, finished in light tones with polished walnut accents, was furnished and decorated to the last detail — from sofas and tables to books and art — entirely turnkey.
Engineering solutions included heated floors, ventilation and air conditioning, and track lighting, all integrated while preserving the exposed concrete ceiling restored by artists. The apartment, finished in light tones with polished walnut accents, was furnished and decorated to the last detail — from sofas and tables to books and art — entirely turnkey.
Project Execution Overview — “Polished Walnut”
• Complete replacement and expansion of window openings — floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall — with panoramic glass installed at the 23rd floor using climbers.
• Two lift-and-slide systems: one from the living room, one from the bedroom, both opening onto a large terrace (15% bigger than on the 24th floor).
• Space transformation: the bedroom opens into an open-air terrace, while the living room merges with the sky thanks to the 20.3 ft (6.20 m) ceilings.
• Layout: 1,615 sq. ft. (150 m²) with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (master + guest).
• Second level: guest bedroom with bathroom built above the corridor, enabled by ceiling height.
• Staircase: monolithic steel structure made from a single 0.4” (1 cm) sheet, welded seamlessly.
• Materials: polished walnut veneer + teak parquet from a 200-year-old Sri Lankan temple.
• Greenery: several trees lifted to the terrace by climbers, including two 200-year-old olive trees weighing over a ton each.
• Engineering: heated floors, ventilation, air conditioning, and built-in convectors.
• Lighting: track system with restored exposed concrete ceiling.
• Kitchen: premium German Gaggenau appliances (double fridge, oven, cooktop with integrated ventilation, wine and cigar fridges, coffee machine).
• Furniture & décor: fully curated turnkey — sofas, tables, chairs, books, and art.
• Complete replacement and expansion of window openings — floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall — with panoramic glass installed at the 23rd floor using climbers.
• Two lift-and-slide systems: one from the living room, one from the bedroom, both opening onto a large terrace (15% bigger than on the 24th floor).
• Space transformation: the bedroom opens into an open-air terrace, while the living room merges with the sky thanks to the 20.3 ft (6.20 m) ceilings.
• Layout: 1,615 sq. ft. (150 m²) with 2 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms (master + guest).
• Second level: guest bedroom with bathroom built above the corridor, enabled by ceiling height.
• Staircase: monolithic steel structure made from a single 0.4” (1 cm) sheet, welded seamlessly.
• Materials: polished walnut veneer + teak parquet from a 200-year-old Sri Lankan temple.
• Greenery: several trees lifted to the terrace by climbers, including two 200-year-old olive trees weighing over a ton each.
• Engineering: heated floors, ventilation, air conditioning, and built-in convectors.
• Lighting: track system with restored exposed concrete ceiling.
• Kitchen: premium German Gaggenau appliances (double fridge, oven, cooktop with integrated ventilation, wine and cigar fridges, coffee machine).
• Furniture & décor: fully curated turnkey — sofas, tables, chairs, books, and art.
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Apartment "White Ash"
The "White Ash" apartment on the 22nd floor in the very heart of Kyiv is a refined balance of natural materials, advanced engineering, and bespoke design. The centerpiece is ash wood with a translucent white finish — preserving the grain while infusing the space with brightness and airiness. This subtle texture is contrasted by black tinted mirrors, integrated into wall panels and furniture, adding depth and intrigue.
CONSTRUCTION
At the core of the living area stands a monumental quartzite island and a fully equipped kitchen with premium appliances: a cooktop with integrated ventilation, a double-door refrigerator, wine and cigar fridges, an oven, a microwave, and a coffee machine. All cabinetry and furniture were crafted to order in Kharkiv from high-grade lamella and premium fittings. A striking green ivy wall separates the corridor from the living area, acting as both a natural divider and a vivid design statement.
The layout includes a master bedroom with an en-suite bathroom, separated by a glass partition that can instantly turn opaque at the push of a button, and a children’s bedroom designed as a single module for two, complete with desks, nightstands, and storage. The second bathroom serves as both guest and children’s.
Engineering solutions include heated floors, concealed ventilation and air conditioning, and integrated convectors. Living trees are placed throughout the interior, softening the architecture and bringing a sense of calm, organic balance.
With 12.1 ft (3.70 m) ceilings, the apartment feels open and expansive. Floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall windows flood the space with light, while the Accordion System transforms the facade into a French balcony with glass railings, creating a seamless connection to the city from the 22nd floor.
White Ash” is a unique interpretation of contemporary living: bright, harmonious, and refined down to the smallest detail.
White Ash” is a unique interpretation of contemporary living: bright, harmonious, and refined down to the smallest detail.
Project Execution Overview — "White Ash"
• Ash veneer with semi-transparent white finish.
• Black tinted mirrors integrated into wall panels and furniture.
• Custom-made furniture from premium ash lamella with high-grade fittings.
• Quartzite kitchen island.
• Built-in premium appliances: cooktop with integrated ventilation, double-door fridge, wine cooler, cigar cooler, oven, microwave, coffee machine.
• Master bedroom with private bathroom and switchable glass between bedroom and bath.
• Children’s bedroom for two with work zones, nightstands, and desks.
• Second bathroom — shared children’s/guest.
• Full replacement and expansion of windows: floor-to-ceiling panoramic glazing.
• Accordion System with French balcony and glass railings.
• Ceiling height 12.1 ft (3.70 m).
• Heated floors.
• Concealed ventilation and air-conditioning system.
• Built-in convectors.
• Green ivy wall separating corridor and living room.
• Trees arranged throughout the apartment perimeter.
• Ash veneer with semi-transparent white finish.
• Black tinted mirrors integrated into wall panels and furniture.
• Custom-made furniture from premium ash lamella with high-grade fittings.
• Quartzite kitchen island.
• Built-in premium appliances: cooktop with integrated ventilation, double-door fridge, wine cooler, cigar cooler, oven, microwave, coffee machine.
• Master bedroom with private bathroom and switchable glass between bedroom and bath.
• Children’s bedroom for two with work zones, nightstands, and desks.
• Second bathroom — shared children’s/guest.
• Full replacement and expansion of windows: floor-to-ceiling panoramic glazing.
• Accordion System with French balcony and glass railings.
• Ceiling height 12.1 ft (3.70 m).
• Heated floors.
• Concealed ventilation and air-conditioning system.
• Built-in convectors.
• Green ivy wall separating corridor and living room.
• Trees arranged throughout the apartment perimeter.
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
