MICROHOME Kingspan competition Honorable mention winners - Zakhar Zibrov, Diana Zibrova and Daniil Hiermashev

We’d like to take the opportunity to introduce you to the Honorable mention winners of our "MICROHOME competition"– Zakhar Zibrov, Diana Zibrova and Daniil Hiermashev from Ukraine!

Zakhar Zibrov, Diana Zibrova and Daniil Hiermashev

Please tell us about your company (when it was founded, where it is based, how many employees, etc) Alternatively, if you do not have a company, please give us some insights on your own professional/academia background.

ZRIVERSTUDIO was founded in 2014 in Kharkiv, Ukraine by a married couple Zakhar Zibrov and Diana Zibrova. After graduating from the Kharkiv National University of Construction and Architecture, we started our practice.

Our studio was based in Kharkiv and Kyiv, but after February 24, 2022, when Russia declared war on Ukraine and attacked our land, we had to evacuate to Transcarpathia, Ukraine.

Our goal is to create spaces that resonate with the inner world of individuals and enhance the quality of life. Therefore, we are interested in the synthesis of psychology, philosophy, architecture and design. We value a holistic and conscious approach to design, true organic aesthetics. Our main focus is on creating healthy and harmonious environments for living. We strive for a balance between tranquility and dynamism, reality and metaphysics. The co-creation between us enhances uniqueness and gives birth to new micro-worlds.

These are challenging times for everyone due to the war in Ukraine. We face numerous trials: constant power outages, uncertainty, and alarming news have become part of our daily lives. Despite this, we strive to find ways to work and remain productive. In these difficult conditions, we have joined forces with our friend and colleague, Daniil Germashev. In 2023, he graduated from Kharkiv National University of Civil Engineering and Architecture with a master's degree in architecture. Currently, Daniil lives in close proximity to the conflict zone, which is under constant shelling from Russian territory.

Times of trial are also times for creativity and innovation. The desire to create and build unites us. This not only helps us stay motivated but also gives us hope and faith in the future. As architects, it is our way of resisting and supporting each other.

Brief information about the projects that you/your company have been involved with. For instance, what scale have you focused on/preferred, any significant projects where the company/ individuals have been Involved?

Our studio is focused on residential interiors and private architecture. We are working on projects in Ukraine, Europe and the USA. In projects, we are very interested in the intersection of design, architecture, philosophy and psychology. The priority is to build a mindful sensory and ecological approach on a small scale in order to transform it over time into the creation of new ecosystems in low-rise residential housing.

Parallel academic activity in the field of urban studies and an active position in relation to the conservation and cleaning of the natural landscapes of Ukraine.

What does architecture mean to you and what is the role of an architect in your society?

In the context of a rapidly changing world, it is necessary to quickly respond to new challenges. Especially in the wake of societal challenges like military conflicts and their consequences, it is crucial to address the needs of people who have returned from the front or lost their homes as a result of hostilities. Among these needs, fostering inclusivity and creating barrier-free environments are paramount for restoring both mental and physical well-being.

Architects, designers, and urban planners have significant responsibilities and enormous workloads in restoring cities and housing for people. Active research and open dialogues are currently underway to shape the future and development strategies of the affected cities. This work is a critical component of the broader transformation of humanity.

Why do you participate in architecture competitions?

This is the second time we are participating in architectural competitions. After our first experience, we wanted to test ourselves and our ideas again, but this time with a more challenging task. The topic of micro-houses is extremely relevant right now. Designing a micro-house with limited space and conditions has been a truly beneficial challenge for our development.

Working on this project, we not only honed our skills but also delved into the philosophy of conscious living. Micro-houses require creativity and innovative approaches to space utilization, which opens new horizons for architects. For us, it has been an opportunity to rethink conventional approaches and find new solutions that meet the challenges of today.

What advice would you give to individuals who struggle to decide whether it would be beneficial for them to participate in architecture competitions?

First of all, you need to find the topic that is really close to you. After all, it is participation in such competitions that gives a huge impetus to development and makes you aware of your professional skills and life values. Also, if we talk about participating in the competition as a team, this provides an excellent opportunity to create something together and stimulates synergy between work partners.