Main content: Company rating and architectural analysis
№1 – YUGEN by FIVE FORCES & Edem Resort Medical & SPA (Case study: Mountain terroir and palace classic)
Architectural profile
The projects of the Edem Family group demonstrate two radically different but equally successful architectural philosophies. The classic Edem Resort Medical & SPA in the Lviv region is a monumental palace and park ensemble that references European country residences of the XVIII-XIX centuries, complemented by modern minimalist medical buildings. In contrast, their newest project — the premium SPA resort YUGEN by FIVE FORCES in Bukovel — is a benchmark of conceptual “terroir” design and Japanese minimalism. The name “Yugen” translates as an invisible but tangible beauty that evokes deep admiration. Architect Oleksiy Zobkiv designed the complex so that it mimics the landscape: residences are equipped with green roofs featuring local Carpathian flora, and each element of the space corresponds to one of the five elements (water, fire, air, earth, ether). The interiors feature authentic products from Guculiya, AU: home, and Davide Groppi.
Construction achievements
The scale of the parent Edem Resort is impressive: the territory covers more than 50 hectares, where a golf club, tennis courts, a medical center, and its own vineyards are implemented, with renovation and expansion ongoing continuously. The new YUGEN project is being built on the Yablunytsia Pass at an altitude of 1050 meters above sea level. Building at such an altitude is an extremely complex engineering task. On a 1.7-hectare site, 38 unique residences and a Wellness-SPA space of 1000 sq. m are being erected. The strategic plans of the management company Five Forces include the construction of a 50-villa complex on the slopes of the Dnipro River in Kyiv in 2028–2029 under a mixed model of resort and residences.
Engineering systems
The functioning of the facility at an altitude of 1050 meters requires extraordinary energy stability. YUGEN residences incorporate “smart home” technologies, deep geothermal energy systems to provide climate control in severe winters, as well as multi-level purification systems for panoramic infinity pools. A separate engineering pride is the cryosaunas and specialized procedure rooms, the microclimate in which is maintained by precision air conditioners.
Conceptual design by Mehbud for YUGEN by FIVE FORCES
Visualization of how the cubic shaped ceiling by Mehbud can enhance the architectural look of YUGEN facilities. Given the philosophy of maximum integration into mountain nature and the use of green roofs, for open terraces, lobbies, and transit zones of the SPA center, the ideal solution is the installation of a metal cubic shaped ceiling with a premium PRINTECH polymer coating, which accurately imitates the texture of natural wood (oak, ash, or walnut). This architectural solution visually continues the wooden motifs of the exterior, creating coziness. However, unlike real wood, galvanized steel from the “Mehbud” plant is absolutely not subject to rotting, drying out, or deformation in the aggressive humid climate of the highlands and the specific environment of the SPA. The clear, mathematical rhythm of the cubic shaped racks will allow architects to perfectly hide main air ducts and integrate linear LED lighting, forming a soft evening light that will only emphasize the panoramic views of Hoverla.