Dubrovska

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01.

Stan

Team: Natalie Dubrovska, Katerina Bandura, Daria Shmyrko

Area: 120 sq.meters /1290 sq.ft

Location: Kyiv, Ukraine

Photo: Yevhenii Avramenko

Stan (ukrainian CTAH - annominatio: physical posture OR state, as a feeling of yourself) - is a yoga and barre studio in central Kyiv, welcomes those identifying as women.

Situated in a vibrant area, it’s founded by a professional ballet dancer.

Designers intentionally crafted a significant part of the project around her, intertwining her personality with a broader celebration of women.

The existing layout was quite sharp and didn't match the envisioned soft, elegant, and feminine personality for the future concept. Dubrovska Studio designers aimed to add more softness by rounding corners and using light curtains to smooth out the layout.

The primary concept for the space involves reusing existing elements and sourcing locally. The emphasis on sustainability aligned well with the overall concept.

“In our situation, when we initiated the project, there was virtually nothing available. We literally pieced the project together from leftovers we found around Kyiv.”, - designer Natalie Dubrovska said.

Despite these challenges, the design aimed for uniqueness and creativity became the driving force.

All elements were crafted based on designer drawings, with the sofa serving as a centerpiece for the welcoming area, inspired by the overall layout.

Complementing the sofa, little tables were crafted from stone leftovers carefully sourced in the warehouse.

A mirror, cut into the rock base in the welcoming area, creates an illusion of magic and special charm, reflecting parts of the space depending on the angle.

The reception desk, cast in concrete, aimed for rough edges to contrast with the soft surroundings. Blending with existing grey microcement on the floor, it extended into the desk and was crushed on top, achieving the desired look and feel.

The interior unfolds seamlessly, with a curtain corridor leading to changing rooms and showers.

Faced with the absence of a minimalistic and soft solution for lockers, the designers crafted their own, complete with bespoke number and key tags.

The showers, covered in small mosaic tiles, took inspiration from the modernist aesthetics of public bathrooms.

Venturing further into the studio, another turn from the curtain corridor reveals the heart of Stan – the spacious room where classes come to life.

This versatile space, accommodating up to 15 people, boasts a flexible lighting setup and mirror walls, creating an environment where the magic of each training session unfolds.

Stan encapsulates the spirit of feminine strength, elegance, and individuality, inviting to embark on a transformative journey within its carefully curated space. It is not just a studio; it is a sanctuary for self-expression and holistic well-being.