Originally occupying 250 sq m, Manoir Normande is a lovely home in Kiev, Ukraine. Alexandrine Lukach was entrusted the job of revamping the home. Between 2013 and 2015 the reconstruction and restyling process was carried on and the home now has a footprint of 425 sq m.  Colours of wines, aubergines and plums; floral and paisley prints on the luxurious tapestry; and the detailing on the woodwork and stone embellishments - all come together to create the French flashback! 

And why French? Because the occupants had spent many years in France; and they dearly loved and missed their life in France. Lukach figured the homeowners’ desire for a pleasurable, luxurious and comfortable ambience – and added to the programmatic brief the homeowners’ love of France! It thus reflects in the exterior and interiorof this restyled and reconstructed cottage in Kiev.  

As per the requirements, changes were made to ceilings, staircases, roof truss system, windows and door openings. Since the house is now extended, it was considered better to demarcate functional zones. Relevant changes were made to the plan and structure of the house: a separate area is allotted for household appliances, height of the attic floor is increased, and terraces were extended around the house. New technologies for climate control, heating, ventilation, water supply, sewage and water proofing were implemented. The house now has a new insulated façade and roof covering.

There are two axes that the house is laid out on. The first one is centrally located, from the entrance, through to the depth of the house; and one perpendicular to it. The principle of serial volume and space composition along the axis is used, and the rhythm is repeated in marble floors and staircases, wooden linings, ceilings, location of fixtures, door and window openings.

To create an additional perspective and to give more depth – doors and windows were enlarged and attached to the axes, and the doors were made sliding and glazed. 

Contrasting colors in different functional areas of space are also inspired by the style of houses in France. Besides the emotional connotations, these further emphasize the zoning space floors and at the same time serving as a unifying element — so in the form of details and accents color is repeated in different rooms. 

Structuring of the façade was based on the layout of the home, its internal program, which is continuing and communicating with landscape, as well as with following the design brief. The result is a wonderfully elegant home; replete with the flavours of France!