Minimalism5 characteristics

by Yaroslav Koshovyi

Minimalism has become quite popular over the years as a design philosophy and way of life. The theory of minimalism with respect to architecture is about achieving better design through simplicity – simplicity of form, space, materiality, detail, and color. Minimalist design shows restraint, a careful paring down and editing of spaces to get to a place of clarity.

In our work, we lean towards a modern minimalist design approach. We like clean, open spaces that allow the architecture, the furniture, and the materials in the room to breathe. We like simple, honest detailing (nothing superfluous) and simple materials. We enjoy creating these minimalist spaces because we, ourselves, appreciate the calmness, the warmth, and the beauty that these kinds of spaces exude.

The characteristics we find that most exemplify modern minimalist house design are:1. Simplicity in form and function2. Uncomplicated cladding & wall finishes3. Clean, open, light-filled spaces4. Simple detailing devoid of decoration5. Strategic use of materials for visual interest, texture, and

personality

1. Simplicity in Form and Function

Many minimalist houses have a simple, straightforward, efficient plan layout with stacked volumes of spaces. This creates clarity in plan, where spaces are predictable and uncomplicated. Simple forms, open floor plans, minimal interior walls, modest storage areas, and an emphasis on views and daylight are defining characteristics of many minimalist floor plans.

1. Simplicity in Form and Function

Uncomplicated punched openings for doors andwindows punctuate the facades. Overall, there isa simple house design that avoids a lot of ins andouts, complext curves or angles.

2. Uncomplicated Cladding & Wall Finishes

Using a simple continuous exterior cladding material can easily provide visual appeal and articulation by expressing the physical characteristics of the materials and their texture.

In the photo on the left below, the 2×2 horizontal cedar slats provide relieve and interest to the facade. The siding on the right creates eye-catching appeal in its lap joints and blue color that pops against the otherwise white interior in the photo on the right. Also note the lack of splice joints in both photos. Each horizontal course is one continuous piece, another nice feature.

2. Uncomplicated Cladding & Wall Finishes

The boxy form below, with its continuous vertical wood siding and clean window openings are a clean, modern minimalist

solution to this forested retreat.

3. Clean, Open, Light-Filled Spaces

An open floor plan between kitchen andliving areas lets an abundance of light fillthe space. Light colored wall surfaces,clean modern detailing, unclutteredspaces and a neutral color palette (with afew splashes of color) give spaces like thisminimalist home interior a calm interesting

appeal.

3. Clean, Open, Light-Filled Spaces

Spacious rooms filled withlight, wide sight lines andan uncluttered aestheticare typical of manyminimalist interiors. Onlythe necessary furnitureand accessories are usedso that objects have somebreathing room. Theabundance of natural lightadds to the ambiance ofthe space, helping it feelwarm and cozy rather than

cold and sterile.

4. Simple Detailing Devoid of Decoration

Many minimalist interiors are also characterized by clean cabinetry, stair, and trim details – paring down to only what is necessary.Detailing cabinetry with flat slab panels instead of raised or recessed panels and minimally exposed hardware eliminates the visual noise often seen with cabinetry. In this project, a simple reveal was left in the wood panels to avoid the need for unnecessary door pulls.

Clean, crisp window details and well-designed facades avoid the need for unnecessary trim work. A flush window frame aligning with the joints in the cladding material provides a clean minimalist solution to window articulations like the exterior image on the left below.

Simple minimalistic details are also cost-effective. Flat stock trim is an inexpensive and easy way to trim out windows and doors and still maintain a minimalist look. In the project on the right below the flat stock trim and white washed wall paneling allow the focus to be on the exterior views instead of the interior.

5. Strategic Use of Materials for Visual Interest, Texture, + Personality

In the project below, the material palette is limited to mostly concrete and glass. Yet, the board-formed concrete provides texture and interest to the minimalist interior

design.

In the project on the left, the texture and grainof the tile pattern adds visual interest to thesimple neutral palette of the modernbathroom.

5. Strategic Use of Materials for Visual Interest, Texture, + Personality

Eye-catching materials such as the brick wall onthe right can stand on their own without theneed for shelving and knick-knacks to clutter

them up.

5. Strategic Use of Materials for Visual Interest, Texture, + Personality

Thank you

for attention