Case Study 2: Underground House plan B

Case Study 2

Underground House Plan B - Sergey Makhno Architects

Designer + Context

Designed by Sergey Makhno Architects as a response to the global Coronavirus pandemic. The concrete bunker was envisioned as a post-pandemic conceptual piece of architecture. Based in Ukraine’s Carpathian Mountains and 15m underground, the project encapsulates the idea of a luxury bunker equiped with a helipad for quick access during disaster and reflects the current societal changes in world views, anxiety and need for new solutions to shifts in work and life. Sergey Makhno Architects have used this push towards changing environments as inspiration to design a completely self-sufficient fully contained bunker which can accommodate a number of families.

Concept

The concept was to encapsulate life underground and retain a sense of openness and connection to each other and nature whilst being underground. Enabling the inhabitants to retain their normal everyday hobbies will create a sense of comfort and freedom in times of distress. The exterior resembles a modern art museum displaying reliability and a welcoming aesthetic. Creating a cozy functional space was at the forefront of all design decisions:

“This project is a reflection on the continuation of human life under any circumstances, and an attempt to find an answer to the question of whether architecture can create the impression of life at the surface while being in its depths,” - Serhii Makhno (Levy, 2020)

Key Takeaways

The material choices of the concrete with woods and highly scuptural forms creates a soft brutalist feel. The intersection and relationship between technology, nature and the human is clearly explored in this design. The lighting design and use of floor to ceiling digital screens create the illusion of being above the surface. How the space will function with the inhabitants has been carefully considered with amenities such as a home cinema, gym and pool ensures the physical and mental wellbeing of the inhabitants. The incorporation of a garden room and undergrounf water treatment system uses technology and nature to ensure the self-sufficiency of the humans using the space. Architecturally, the central circular design creates a sense of balance and flow between the different spaces.