MAKHNO studio's KHRAM temple envisioned as three spherical prayer rooms

KHRAM – the Temple of Three Religions by makhno studio

MAKHNO Studio transports us to the realm of the spiritual with KHRAM – The Temple of Three Religions, nestled in Ukraine‘s Poltava region. This architectural marvel is more than just a physical structure; it’s a sacred space designed for prayer, reflection, and meditation amidst nature. From its unique entrance, marked by a three-dimensional figure wall, to its three spherical rooms, KHRAM invites visitors to leave behind the distractions of the outside world and immerse themselves in tranquility. Ultimately, the complex will be close to adherents of different faiths without direct references to any particular religious tradition.

all renders © MAKHNO Studio

three spherical prayer rooms made of adobe blocks

The KHRAM temple by MAKHNO Studio (see more here) consists of an open square, a three-dimensional figured wall at the entrance, and three separate spherical rooms for solitude, prayer, and meditation, in small architectural niches. Thus, from above, the architecture recalls a lotus fruit with three seeds – ‘a symbol of spiritual potential on the path to enlightenment,’ writes Serhii Makhno. The large, rounded square in front of the entrance nudges visitors to greet the temple, leave their shoes on the wooden floor, and walk inside a three-dimensional wall. This 3D wall, made of QUADROPOD ceramic blocks, is assembled in an intricate pattern. ‘And it is symbolic because KHRAM has no further fences,’ continues the architect.

KHRAM – The Temple of Three Religions rises amid nature in Ukraine

Once inside, visitors can join one of the three spheres, envisioned as large sloping balls with through holes made of adobe blocks – a mixture of unbaked clay, straw, and sand. These ‘living walls’ breathe, i.e., absorb excessive humidity, fumes, pollution, viruses, and microorganisms, and shield electromagnetic fields and radio waves. They even protect against cold in winter and heat in summer. MAKHNO Studio even installs a niche for a fire inside a KHRAM sphere, which can be lit for a tea party, covered up to leave the space free. Whether in the morning when the first sun rays break through the lace of the temple wall, in the afternoon, when the light creates a majestic picture inside the spheres, or in the evening, when the hearth starts glowing outward, visitors are welcome to enjoy the spaces, fully and deeply.

a sacred space designed for prayer, reflection, and meditation