GONT expedition:

Cultural Research & Architectural Identity

GONT — the Ukrainian word for wooden shingle.

We explored the diversity of historic shingle forms through field expeditions across remote Carpathian villages, documenting vernacular architecture and its geometric language. This research became the foundation for a contemporary design system, demonstrating how cultural heritage can be translated into scalable products, materials and spatial experiences without losing its authenticity.

Cultural & Emotional Sensing

Exploring cultural heritage is a profound Adventure that opens new doors to who we are. Every expedition to find old shingle forms is a journey into grounding and memory. We research not just a form but also the Soul of a cultural landscape to ensure that every contemporary pattern we create carries an authentic vibration and becomes a part of our future heritage.

Our METHODOLOGY

PHASE 01: RESEARCH (The Heritage)

We explored the diversity of old shingle shapes in Carpathian region in personal expedition in old mountainous villages.

PHASE 01: RESEARCH (The Soul)

Exploration of traditional colors from heritage textiles, Carpathian region, Ukraine and SHINGLE colors.

PHASE 03: REALIZATION (The Impact)

Engineering scalable visual narratives: from traditional symbols to modular industrial systems.

PHASE 02: DEVELOPING (The Engineering)

IMPLEMENTATION — Iconic Gropius Low chairs by NOOM upholstered in TR ETHNO fabrics for HAY Boutique Hotel.

PHASE 01: RESEARCH (The Soul)

01 Lumshory Village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

02 Lumshory Village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

03 Lumshory Village, Perechyn District, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

04 Volovets, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

05 Volovets, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

06 Volovets, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

07 Volovets, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

08 Volovets, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

09 Volovets, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

10 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

11 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

12 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

13 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

14 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

15 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

16 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

17 Pylypets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

18 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

19 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

20 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

21 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

22 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

23 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

24 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

25 Bykovets village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

26 Izky village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

27 Izky village, Zakarpattia Oblast, Ukraine

PHASE 02: NARRATIVE ENGINEERING — Scalable Design System (The System)

We reinterpret the geometry of one of the world's most ancient symbols - the eight-pointed star, known as Alatyr, Ruzha, and by various other names across diverse historical cultures - transforming it into systemic visual codes precisely engineered for industrial manufacturing in textiles, carpets and wallcoverings.