Publication Magazine Volume 2 Friendly House | Page 14

ASK THE EXPERTS
IN THE FIELD
MINIMALIST HOUSE
INTEGERATION
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. Uncomplicated
punched openings for doors and windows punctuate the facades.
Overall, there is a simple house design that avoids a lot of ins
and outs, complext curves, or angles. Simple roof profiles are also
characteristic of minimalist homes.
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. The boxy
form below, with its continuous vertical wood siding and clean
window openings are a clean, modern minimalist solution to this
forested retreat.
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.
DESIGN
DEFINED
Our favorite architects are assigned a term in design
and asked how it integrates into their visions
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 below on the left, the texture and grain of the tile
pattern adds visual interest to the simple neutral palette of the
modern bathroom. Eye-catching materials such as the brick wall
on the right below can stand on their own without the need for
shelving and knick-knacks to clutter them up.
3. Clean, Open, Light-Filled Spaces
An open floor plan between kitchen and living areas lets an
abundance of light fill the space. Light colored wall surfaces, clean
modern detailing, uncluttered spaces and a neutral color palette
(with a few splashes of color) give spaces like this minimalist
home interior a calm interesting appeal.
7
24