between the walls preserves shell rock from soviet past at sculptural showroom in kyiv

between the walls introduces PAPAYA showroom in kyiv

Design studio Between the Walls unveils PAPAYA, a retail showroom in the heart of Kyiv that brings emotional depth to interior design through material memory and sculptural sensitivity. Situated within a former Soviet-era store, the project features shell rock fragments, natural stone, anodized metal, and soft fabrics that honor history while rewriting it. Rather than creating spectacle, the showroom cultivates a sense of care, both in the way materials are treated and in the emotional atmosphere they generate.

The designers approach the project respecting the existing structure and beginning with the preservation of the main elements from the previous incarnation of the space. Original shell rock walls are restored and integrated into the fresh design, paired with natural stone from Ukraine’s Rivne region, a material introduced to the area during the Soviet era. These geological textures form the foundation of a design language that is at once grounded and sculptural. A polished concrete floor adds a sense of monolithic stillness, while ceiling panels emit soft, diffused light, allowing every surface to reveal its material richness.

images courtesy of Between the Walls

Tamara Turlyun’s sculpture adds emotional level to the project

Bespoke furniture by the Kyiv-based team of Between the Walls continues the language of sensitivity and tactility. Clothes rails made of matte metal repeat the gentle curves of the showroom’s existing arches, recalling both architectural rhythms and the gravitational presence of Richard Serra’s sculpture. These linear elements introduce a sculptural fluidity that allows visitors to move through the space in waves. In one section of the showroom, rich green velvet curtains enclose fitting rooms, while a Dedar-upholstered sofa and a Noguchi floor lamp complete the intimate corner.

A commissioned work by Ukrainian artist Tamara Turlyun, made of paper and wire, appears to grow directly from the architecture of the space, embodying care and continuity across generations of women, a theme central to Turlyun’s practice. Developed specifically for this space, the piece responds to its materials and proportions while introducing an emotionally charged element. 

clothes rails made of matte metal repeat the gentle curves of the showroom’s existing arches

a commissioned work by Ukrainian artist Tamara Turlyun anchors the space

situated within a former Soviet-era store

the project features shell rock fragments, natural stone, anodized metal, and soft fabrics

the showroom cultivates a sense of care

the piece responds to its materials and proportions

rich green velvet curtains enclose fitting rooms

α polished concrete floor adds a sense of monolithic stillness

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the designers approach the project respecting the existing structure

geological textures form the foundation of the design language

ceiling panels emit soft, diffused light

project info:

name: PAPAYA
architect: Between the Walls | @between.the_walls
location: Kyiv, Ukraine

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom