Minimalism in Architecture: A Better Approach for Natural Sites
Minimalism is not new in architecture. It has been employed in various forms throughout history. Yet now, it is almost becoming a movement of its own. The architectural world is gradually discovering that minimalism is a more fitting approach for natural sites.
Well-known architects like Alberto Campo Baeza and John Pawson are creating some truly inspirational designs with minimalism at the core. Campo Baeza's Zalamea la Real, on the outskirts of Huelva, Spain is a classic example. The home is built on a hillside site surrounded by beautiful scrub lands. The home's simplicity fits perfectly with the surrounding area.
LESS IS MORE
The central theme of minimalism in architecture is best encapsulated in Ludwig Mies van der Rohe's philosophy that less is more. Van der Rohe was a well-known German-American architect whose work heavily influenced American architecture in the years immediately following World War I. He believed that ornamentation, for its own sake, was both unnecessary and unfitting to modern design.
He was so passionate in his dislike for ornamentation that he once called it a 'crime'. Although we may not go that far these days, minimalism in 2021 still strives to keep things simple and free of superfluous ornamentation.
LETTING NATURE BE NATURAL
Building on a natural site offers challenges that can differ quite a bit from building in urban environments. For instance, natural undeveloped sites require a sensitive approach to design. Designing new architecture for these sites requires considering what will happen to the environment once construction starts. How the structure will work harmoniously with the site post-construction is also key.
Letting nature be nature is a key concept of minimalist architecture on natural sites. You can see examples in many of our mountain modern architectural homes. Where minimalism is embraced, homes have a minimal impact on the surrounding environment. Equally important, they are unobtrusive and celebrate their surroundings.
Minimalism keeps the focus on the natural environment. Whether it is the views of the Wasatch Mountains or scrublands in Spain, nature is still the dominant feature. The minimalist approach seeks to ensure that new structures do not take over.
EXPOSING THE TRUE ESSENCE
A core principle of minimalism is that simplicity reveals architecture's true essence. We like to take this one step further. Minimalism on natural sites reveals the true essence of the natural world. By keeping things basic, simple, and free of ornamentation, we create homes that reveal just how incredible a natural context really is.
One of the ways we do that is to incorporate a generous views and indoor/outdoor connections. Of course, views are top priority, but it design can be much more than that. Floor-to-ceiling glass blurs the lines between interior and exterior spaces. Wide-open views throughout the day and night bring nature into the home. Meanwhile, all nature has to offer lies just outside.
The desire to connect natural and human-made elements organically leads to other things. It suggests that we rely on locally sourced building materials as much as possible. It suggests that we incorporate passive design strategies in the architecture to minimize dependence on mechanical heating and cooling.
MINIMALISM IN UTAH ARCHITECTURE
Architects take inspiration from many places and formal expression varies widely around the world. Furthermore, everyone from property owners to architects and interior designers has their own preferences. From our perspective, here in Park City, minimalism seems to be one of the best approaches for designing within natural spaces.
If you like the idea of minimalist architecture on natural sites, we have plenty of experience with both. Let's talk about building your new home with a minimalist approach to the architecture and ways to celebrate Utah's fantastic natural environment at the essence of design.