Lyubimyi Dyadya
location Kyiv (Ukraine) / area 3,875 ft²/ year 2019 /budget 320 000$ / duration 6 month
ABOUT
The Lyubimyi Dyadya Apartment project became one of the most technically complex and architecturally demanding reconstructions in the historic center of Kyiv. In this project, I combined the roles of project manager and technical director, overseeing every stage — from engineering and structural reinforcement to finishing works and commissioning.
CONSTRUCTION
The property occupies a Stalin-era building that was in critical condition at the start of the project. During reconstruction, all floor slabs between the three levels were replaced, providing full sound, vibration, water, and dust insulation while reinforcing the structural frame. This ensured safety, longevity, and technical integrity, while preserving the authentic architectural fabric of the building.
The original brickwork — handcrafted imperial brick — was carefully cleaned, strengthened, and preserved as a key visual feature. All electrical systems were integrated directly into the mortar joints, allowing the “honest” material texture to remain visible without unnecessary structural interference.
Ceilings were brought to perfect geometry, while the perimeter and window frames were accentuated with black-pigmented gypsum molding. This solution ensured long-term durability and color stability, eliminating the need for maintenance while giving the space sculptural depth and visual coherence.
Ceilings were brought to perfect geometry, while the perimeter and window frames were accentuated with black-pigmented gypsum molding. This solution ensured long-term durability and color stability, eliminating the need for maintenance while giving the space sculptural depth and visual coherence.
All window openings were lowered to the floor and transformed into French balconies with fully operable panels. This brought natural light deep into the interior, creating a direct visual and emotional connection with the street outside.
A defining moment of the project was the construction of a new second-floor extension — a contemporary winter garden of approximately 1,940 sq. ft (180 m²). The space, composed of metal, glass, and wood, features guillotine-style windows that lower at the touch of a button, transforming the room into an open-air terrace.
A defining moment of the project was the construction of a new second-floor extension — a contemporary winter garden of approximately 1,940 sq. ft (180 m²). The space, composed of metal, glass, and wood, features guillotine-style windows that lower at the touch of a button, transforming the room into an open-air terrace.
All engineering systems — ventilation, air conditioning, electrics, and heating — were built from scratch. Underfloor convectors were used instead of traditional radiators, preserving the clean architectural silhouette and visual lightness of the space.
To optimize restaurant operations, we installed a lifting system connecting the main kitchen on the lower level to the dining hall above. This eliminated staff circulation through guest areas and created a seamless, efficient workflow between levels.
The result is a space where engineering precision meets architectural poetry. The reconstruction not only preserved the historical spirit of the building but also gave it new life — contemporary, functional, and profoundly human.
Project Execution Overview — “Beloved Uncle”
• Full reconstruction of a Stalin-era building in central Kyiv.
• Replacement of all structural slabs between three levels to ensure stability and insulation.
• Reinforcement of load-bearing elements and restoration of original imperial brickwork.
• Electrical wiring integrated into brick joints to preserve authentic materiality.
• Ceilings aligned to architectural precision with black-pigmented gypsum molding.
• Window openings lowered to floor level and transformed into full-height French balconies.
• Construction of a rooftop winter garden in steel, glass, and wood.
• Guillotine window system enabling complete vertical opening and natural ventilation.
• Integration of modern framework with historic structure.
• Full installation of new HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Concealed ventilation and underfloor convectors preserving visual minimalism.
• Vertical food lift connecting kitchen and upper dining hall for seamless service flow.
• Custom finishing combining restored masonry, metal, and wood.
• Lighting design accentuating depth, texture, and spatial rhythm.
• Full reconstruction of a Stalin-era building in central Kyiv.
• Replacement of all structural slabs between three levels to ensure stability and insulation.
• Reinforcement of load-bearing elements and restoration of original imperial brickwork.
• Electrical wiring integrated into brick joints to preserve authentic materiality.
• Ceilings aligned to architectural precision with black-pigmented gypsum molding.
• Window openings lowered to floor level and transformed into full-height French balconies.
• Construction of a rooftop winter garden in steel, glass, and wood.
• Guillotine window system enabling complete vertical opening and natural ventilation.
• Integration of modern framework with historic structure.
• Full installation of new HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems.
• Concealed ventilation and underfloor convectors preserving visual minimalism.
• Vertical food lift connecting kitchen and upper dining hall for seamless service flow.
• Custom finishing combining restored masonry, metal, and wood.
• Lighting design accentuating depth, texture, and spatial rhythm.
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
