The costa carreira house

Dacha, Ukrainian for ‘summer house’, reimagines the flowing lines and graphic motifs of Ukrainian embroidery as a modern dining set consisting of a bistro-size table and two nesting chairs. The textured wood finish deliberately contrasts the matte, soft-touch laminate used in the “embroidery” squares. This dichotomy creates an engaging interplay of textures and forms for a wholly unique artefact that embraces modern materials while celebrating the proud traditions of the past.

Dacha was my submission to the 2024 Formica FORM Student Innovation Competition. Across iterations, I simplified the ‘fabric’ form while maintaining curved, organic lines. I also experimented with the placement and pattern of the 'embroidery', as well with the base laminate. I decided on a pale wood base to direct focus to the embroidery design, which I modelled in Sketchup using classic Ukrainian motifs as a reference. This piece is a celebration of my heritage, and a statement that Ukrainian culture is alive and thriving even in times of unimaginable adversity.