
The Heritage Business Center deisgned by AIIX studio, marks the beginning of a large-scale redevelopment in central Kyiv. Construction commenced in 2021, but progress was interrupted for a year due to the full-scale invasion. Despite these challenges, the project reached completion, serving as both a contemporary structure and a historical link between past and present. This vision is embedded in its name, Heritage, symbolizing continuity and the search for lasting significance in an ever-changing environment.
Integrating with Kyiv’s Urban Fabric
One of the primary challenges was ensuring the new building complemented Kyiv’s historical surroundings. Located next to Franz Holombek’s early 20th-century estate, currently under consideration for landmark status, the project team introduced a distinctive glass-toothed extension, informally called the “saw.” This feature creates both a visual and structural connection between architectural eras. Set slightly back and lower than the main structure, it establishes a balance between the old and the new.

Beyond the building itself, the surrounding area has been redesigned to improve pedestrian accessibility, emphasizing comfort and high-quality urban design. This transformation reinforces the center’s role in shaping a more walkable and thoughtfully designed cityscape.
Architectural Approach
Though the Heritage Business Center consists of seven floors, its design gives the impression of a four-story structure due to the strategic grouping of windows across multiple levels. The building features three sunlit facades, with deeply recessed windows, 60 centimeters in depth, reducing thermal load and improving energy efficiency. These recesses also interact with natural light to create ever-changing visual effects throughout the day. In addition to its architectural ingenuity, the building meets international accessibility standards, ensuring a welcoming environment for individuals with reduced mobility.

A Story Etched in Stone
The facade is clad in Jurassic limestone from the famed Solnhofen quarries in Bavaria, known for its fossil-rich composition. Formed millions of years ago in prehistoric lagoons, this limestone contains traces of ancient marine life, including ammonites and belemnites. Among its most remarkable details, the Heritage facade features a 30-centimeter fossilized shell from the Jurassic period. This unique element is embedded within nearly 500 tons of stone. This connection to natural history transforms the building’s exterior into a living archive of the Earth’s past.

Interior Craftsmanship
Spanning 17,000 square meters, the Heritage Business Center offers flexible open-plan spaces suited for offices, events, and various business needs. The interior follows a minimalist design approach, with an emphasis on natural materials that create a refined, understated atmosphere.
The walls are lined with Italian travertine Classico Antique, chosen for its soft patterns and muted gray-sand tones. A key focal point in the lobby is a towering 7.5-meter stela wrapped in green marble. The marble’s distinctive veining, marked by sweeping white streaks, reflects the geometric elements of the business center’s logo.


Another notable feature is the spiral staircase, made of architectural concrete, which connects the first floor to the second-floor gallery. Beyond its functional role, the staircase adds a sculptural quality to the space, contributing to the dynamic character of the interior.

International Recognition
The Heritage Business Center has already earned global recognition, securing three distinctions at the Architecture Masterprize competition. These include a win in the Architectural Design-Mixed Use category, along with honorable mentions in both Interior Architecture Photography/Commercial Interior and Interior Design/Commercial Interior.
Further acknowledgment came from the IDA Design Awards, where the project received Silver in the Architectural Design – Commercial – Small Office Space category and an Honorable Mention in the Interior Design – Commercial Interior category. These awards reinforce the project’s architectural excellence and adherence to international design standards.
“Our goal was to create a design that is both minimalist and rich in detail. It reflects European sensibilities while integrating naturally into Kyiv’s historic district. Most importantly, it is a space designed with the city’s residents in mind,” says Oleksandr Bosenko, chief architect and founder of AIIX studio.

Type: The Heritage Business Center
Year: 2024
Team: AIIX studio
Location: Kyiv, Ukraine
Photo: Serhii Savchenko