What’s most important to note about these architectural gems is that they might be small, but they’re far from feeling that way; everything is in its place and made to be exactly how it should be. This collection of breathtaking homes from a variety of countries around the world celebrates minimalism in architecture at its very best. I’ve collated these from a variety of famous architects, and in all cases their design work speaks for itself.
Check out 10 Most Functional and Minimalist Homes Around the World…
10 – Tuath Na Mara By MacGabhann Architects
The building has a striking modern, yet minimal appearance which is perfect in its setting. This is an example of a one-off house in the countryside that sits lightly in its setting and yet has a strong presence. The house has dark elements, just as the surrounding land does, and yet respects and provides a platform for the beauty of the scenery by letting it shine through the building. Tread softly for you tread upon our Donegal.
09 – Conan Play House by Moon Hoon
South-Korean architect Moon Hoon has designed this ‘toy house’ for a young couple and their son in Bangdong, a famous place for sight seeing and leisure for near by dwellers. The irregular plot of land situated right in front of Bangdong lake boasts a beautiful open view of the lake and a low mountain as a back drop.
08 – Stacked House by naturehumaine
This project was done in collaboration with the client who wished to build his own home. The site is located in a back alley of Montréal’s Plateau neighborhood and the design reflects the patchwork of extensions and renovations typically found in Plateau alleyways. The constraints of the site called for a house that was built upwards versus outwards. Photo credit: Adrien Williams
07 – Sosnowski Residence By Chen & Suchart Studio
This fantastic house has been designed by the talented Chen+ Suchart studio architects which is sympathetic to its urban situation. The use of wooden cladding soften the design, perfectly complimenting the landscape.
06 – Esher House By Wilkinson King Architects
This minimalist house design in the south east of england is a straightforward, crisp and clean. It has won design award in a variety of categories including Winner of one–off dwelling Category, Architect of the Year Award. 2005 and Winner: Best Residential Design, Daily Telegraph Home Building and Renovation Award, 2005.
05 – Wilton Pool House By Hariri & Hariri
The architecture of the pool house hovers over a 48’x20′ pool like a vessel in the water. On the North there is a spa and an outdoor/indoor shower, and on the south there is a roofed veranda acting as an indoor/outdoor dinning area with a large opening on the wall framing the landscape beyond. The area around the pool becomes a sunken courtyard paved in travertine with steps and walls of stone.
04 – Water Tower House By Bham Design Studio
The Bham Design Studio started developing this tower renovation project in 2007, and eventually it ended up being a single family apartment, structured on five floors. The terrace on the top floor gives you a beautiful panorama, overlooking the Belgian village of Steenokkerzeel and an outdoor shower!
03 – Slide House in Japan by LEVEL Architects
The 1,762 square-foot Nakameguro home designed by Japanese Studio LEVEL Architects is located in Meguro-ku, one of the municipalities of Tokyo, Japan. A staircase wraps around one side of the rectangular house and the slide encircles the other, giving the residents the option to descend by the stairs or by slide.
02 – Transparent House By Sou Fujimoto Architects
This Tokyo house by Japanese architect Sou Fujimoto has hardly any walls and looks like scaffolding. The few walls that do exist are mostly glass, making certain spaces secure without adding privacy.
01 – The Keret House By Jakub Szczęsny
The installation designed by Jakub Szczęsny for Israeli writer Etgar Keret in the Wola district of Warsaw competes in Architecture + Living Small. It is built on a triangular plane, with its widest side taking up 152 cm and the narrow end stretching over only 92 cm – thus claiming fame as the world’s narrowest house.