The document discusses the characteristics of minimalist design. It identifies 5 key characteristics: 1) Simplicity in form and function with straightforward layouts and minimal elements. 2) Uncomplicated exterior materials and finishes. 3) Clean, open interior spaces filled with natural light. 4) Simple detailing without unnecessary decoration. 5) Strategic use of materials to provide visual interest through texture and personality. Examples of minimalist homes and architectural details are provided to illustrate these 5 characteristics of minimalist design.

1. Minimalism
5 characteristics
by Yaroslav Koshovyi

2. Minimalism has become quite popular over the years as a design philosophy and way of life. Thetheory of
minimalism with respect to architectureis about achieving better design throughsimplicity – 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.
Inour work,welean towards a modern minimalist design approach. Welikeclean, open spaces that allow the
architecture, the furniture,and the materials inthe room to breathe. Welikesimple, honest detailing (nothing
superfluous) and simple materials. Weenjoy 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 function
2. Uncomplicated cladding & wall finishes
3. Clean, open, light-filled spaces
4. Simple detailing devoid of decoration
5. Strategic use of materials for visual interest, texture, and
personality

3. 1.Simplicity in Form and Function
Manyminimalist houses havea simple, straightforward, efficient plan layoutwith stackedvolumes of spaces. This
creates clarity in plan, wherespaces are predictable and uncomplicated. Simple forms, open floor plans, minimal
interior walls, modest storage areas, and an emphasis onviews and daylight are defining characteristics of
manyminimalist floor plans.

4. 1.Simplicity in Form and Function
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.

5. 2.Uncomplicated Cladding &Wall Finishes
Using a simple continuous exterior cladding material can
easily provide visual appeal and articulation by
expressing thephysical characteristics of the materials and
their texture.
Inthe photo on the left below, the 2×2 horizontal cedar
slats provide relieveand interest to the facade. Thesiding
on the rightcreates eye-catchingappeal inits 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 courseis one continuous
piece, anothernicefeature.

6. 2.Uncomplicated Cladding &Wall Finishes
Theboxy form below, with its continuousvertical wood siding
and clean window openings area clean, modern minimalist
solution to this forested retreat.

7. 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.

8. 3.Clean, Open, Light-Filled Spaces
Spacious rooms filled with
light, wide sight lines and
an uncluttered aesthetic
are typical of many
minimalist interiors. Only
the necessary furniture
and accessories are used
so that objects have some
breathing room. The
abundance of natural light
adds to the ambiance of
the space, helping it feel
warm and cozy rather than
cold and sterile.

9. 4.Simple Detailing Devoid of Decoration
Manyminimalist interiors arealso characterizedby cleancabinetry, 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. Inthis project, a simple reveal was left in the wood panels to avoid the need for
unnecessary door pulls.

10. Clean, crisp window details and well-designed facades avoid
the need for unnecessary trim work. A flush window frame
aligning with the joints in thecladding 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 maintaina minimalist look. Inthe project
on the rightbelow theflat stock trim and white washed wall
paneling allow the focus to beon the exterior views instead
of the interior.

11. 5.Strategic Use of Materials for Visual Interest,Texture,+ Personality
Inthe project below, the material palette is limited to mostly concrete and glass. Yet,
the board-formed concreteprovides texture and interest to the minimalist interior
design.

12. In the project on the left, the texture and grain
of the tile pattern adds visual interest to the
simple neutral palette of the modern
bathroom.
5.Strategic Useof Materials for Visual Interest,
Texture,+ Personality

13. Eye-catching materials such as the brick wall on
the right can stand on their own without the
need for shelving and knick-knacks to clutter
them up.
5.Strategic Useof Materials for Visual Interest, Texture,
+ Personality

14. Thank you
for attention