Guculska Apartment Renovation by Replus Design Bureau – Lviv, Ukraine

The Guculska Apartment by Replus Design Bureau is an exquisite renovation project that harmoniously blends Hutsul ethnic style with the neo-renaissance Austrian architecture of Lviv. Located on Hutsulska Street, this historical apartment, originally built between 1892-1896, underwent a meticulous transformation that preserves its rich heritage while introducing modern functionality and comfort.

The project focused on refurbishing an old apartment in the heart of Lviv, retaining authentic elements such as wooden beams, antique doors, and mid-19th-century wardrobes, while introducing new ethnic-inspired details to create a timeless and culturally resonant space. The designers reinforced deteriorating structures, installed underfloor heating, and combined marble tiles with renovated parquetry flooring to enhance both aesthetics and functionality.

A core design challenge was the apartment’s narrow and elongated rooms. Through the strategic use of mirrors, spatial layout, and furniture placement, the design creates a sense of spaciousness and light. Small details, such as wall sconces near 19th-century frescos and carefully preserved vintage elements, reinforce the apartment’s historical character while blending seamlessly with modern interventions.

The kitchen is a multifunctional hub featuring a large light-filled table with integrated sink and cooking surface, complemented by open walnut cabinetry for convenience. The bathroom emphasizes minimalism and daylight, incorporating a bathtub by the window for cityscape views and relaxation. In the bedroom, Hutsul beams from the owner’s ancestral home were integrated, symbolically connecting family generations within the apartment.

The living spaces were designed to enhance neighborhood interaction, with large aluminum-framed windows overlooking Lviv’s courtyard, allowing residents to engage with the city while maintaining privacy. The main façade retains original wooden window technology, reflecting the apartment’s neo-renaissance roots.

By preserving historical details while incorporating modern comfort, natural light, and cultural references, the Guculska Apartment exemplifies a sensitive, context-driven renovation. This project successfully merges tradition with innovation, creating a home that resonates with the past yet functions seamlessly for contemporary urban living.

All the photographs are works of Andrey Bezuglov