United Architects Kyiv Harmonises Minimalist Elegance with Contemporary Classicism

This week’s instalment of the Project of the Week series features a sophisticated penthouse design by 2025 SBID Awards Finalist, United Architects Kyiv.

This is a multi-level masterpiece completed by United Architects, blends minimalist design with contemporary classicism. State-of-the-art automation and ambient-responsive lighting coalesce into a flawless living experience where innovation transcends functionality to become art. This four-level sanctuary harmonizes minimalist elegance with contemporary classicism, enhanced by bespoke furnishings and exquisite materials like luxurious hardwood walnut, marble, and illuminated onyx. This sophisticated space achieves seamless transitions and a cohesive architectural language, embodying cutting-edge technology and refined aesthetics for an unparalleled living experience.

What was the client’s brief?

The client sought an exceptionally high-end, technologically advanced, and fully custom-designed multi-level penthouse that combined refined aesthetics, natural ecological materials, and rich textures with cutting-edge functionality. Every element — from integrated furniture to fit-out materials — had to represent the latest innovations available at the time. Their standards were extremely demanding, and they brought a professional design vision and a pursuit of perfection to the collaboration.

What inspired the design of the project?

The design was inspired by a minimalist aesthetic infused with contemporary classicism and functionalism. The concept emphasises natural materials, textures, and integrated furniture solutions to create a cohesive architectural language that flows seamlessly across four levels and connects indoor spaces with an open rooftop terrace.

What was the toughest hurdle your team overcame during the project?

One of the toughest challenges was the integration and installation of large-format materials such as glass, tile, stone, and mirrors as seamless cladding across expansive surfaces. A particularly complex feature was the installation of a 4.5 x 6 m tempered-glass mirror on the ceiling, requiring precise engineering and execution. Another major challenge was eliminating visible seams at material junctions while ensuring flawless organic transitions.

What was your team’s highlight of the project?

The highlight was the successful realisation of a fully custom-designed penthouse that harmoniously fuses natural materials, cutting-edge smart technologies, and refined aesthetics. Achieving this level of seamless integration — from bio-adaptive lighting and full absolute automation to bespoke furniture and panoramic terraces — was a significant accomplishment for the United Architects team.

Why did you enter the SBID Awards?

This is not our first entry to the SBID Awards, as we regularly submit our most outstanding projects to this competition. We regard the SBID Awards as one of the most credible and prestigious platforms in the field of interior design. Being recognised here is an honour and a confirmation of our commitment to achieving the highest standards of design excellence.

What has being an Award Finalist meant to you and your business?

Being selected as an SBID Award Finalist for our Penthouse Project is an exceptional honour for our team at United Architects. Recognition on such a prestigious international platform validates our years of professional dedication and passion for excellence. For our studio, it not only reinforces our reputation as a high-end design practice but also inspires us to continue pushing creative and technological boundaries in our future projects.

Questions answered by Iryna Hrynyk and Oleksii Shadyria, Lead Designers at United Architects.