150 Best Minimalist House Ideas (2014)

Architect: EMPTY SPACE Architecture

Location: Cascais, Portugal

Photography: João Morgado

This home was designed to meet the needs of a person with reduced mobility and to be environmentally sustainable. It has two interconnected rectangular volumes oriented by the triangular nature of the plot. The spatial identity of the house lies in the dialog between its interior and exterior.

A glass volume provides entry to the house, is the connector between the two larger structures, and dictates the home’s spatial organization.

004

Low-E glass provides protection against harmful sun rays, and is energy efficient because it achieves a balance between capturing and reflecting solar heat.

005

A simple geometry, a limited set of materials, and a reduced color palette can still produce dynamic architecture with a high level of detailing.

006

A staircase is a critical architectural element, and its design should harmonize with the general design theme. It can either be fully integrated in the main structure or can stand as an inserted object.

007

Large pieces of art should accent the space they reside in, not fight against it. Artwork that takes up the full height of a wall will make a ceiling seem lower.

008

Make your fireplace the focus of your living area. If given a central position, it can be enjoyed from different sides, while at the same time separating spaces with unique functions.

009

A kitchen island is a work surface, but can also be a place to display your favorite objects.