Minimalist architecture

Our default style at Modern Villas is “warm minimalist” – although of course we always follow the client´s cue. We´re designing a house for you, not for us.

Minimalist house design means: clean lines, shapes and forms, with a minimum of clutter.

All visible shapes and volumes – walls, windows, roofs, doors, terraces – should combine in a beautiful, harmonious, balanced “rhythm”. All proportions should be just right.

This is perhaps an art more than a science; and it explains why less specialized architects often create designs that are “almost there”, but still a little bit messy.

It takes a special talent – and a lot of time and patience – to iterate designs until all shapes are not only “functional” but also balanced and harmonious.

The Modern Villas workflow is organized specifically to this end. We use multiple creative teams in “swarm mode” – like a visual brainstorm session – as well as custom technology – in such a way that dozens of “variations” can be generated relatively quickly. Until eventually… everything just falls in place.

The result: a house that feels welcoming, relaxing, beautiful and uncluttered; usually with long, uninterrupted lines of sight. Without any unnecessary interruptions or visual obstacles.

And no, “minimalist” homes do not have to be cold: using the right materials and proportions, they can deliver high-touch, warm, human, and beautifully textured “experiences”.

We love the touch of natural stones – like untreated travertine, which feels as if you´re walking on a beach; beautiful woods with soft textures, organic textiles…

Exactly how minimalist you want to go, is up to you. Some clients want go extremely minimal, as their minds won´t be in peace until every unnecessary detail is removed.

Others like a more “opulent” style where the house itself is nothing but a minimalist “canvas” where richer details in the form of furniture, art, unique ceilings etc. can be added.

Understanding exactly where you are on the scale of minimalism is one of the first cornerstones of our design process.