Celebrating Minimalism- A Selection Of Captivating Projects

In architecture and design, minimalism is not a new principle; rather, it has been practiced for thousands of years. The belief that “less is more” has inspired designers to create spaces focusing on simplicity, functionality, and the beauty of essential elements. 

One material that perfectly embodies this philosophy is concrete. Its clean lines, raw texture, and versatility have made it a favorite among architects and designers seeking to create minimalist masterpieces. In this article, we will explore a selection of captivating concrete projects that demonstrate the power of volumes, visual play, empty spaces, and the interplay of light, all in line with the ethos of minimalism.

 

OTIIMA’s selection begins with the Université Catholique de Louvain’s Tournaicampus in Western Belgium, an exceptional example of minimalist architecture. Its design revolves around geometric purity, using concrete as the primary building material. Solid volumes, frameless, irregularly shaped windows, and voids create a striking visual impact, while the large windows invite natural light to illuminate the interior spaces. The simplicity of the Tournai campus showcases how minimalism can be achieved through a thoughtful arrangement of forms and spaces. 

Architecture Faculty in Tournai | Aires Mateus | © Tim Van de Velde

The Serene Retreat 

Next, we explore the minimalist Tapada das Relvas  House  project, focusing on creating a serene retreat. The design employs concrete walls that seamlessly blend with the surrounding landscape. The structure’s clean lines and smooth surfaces enhance the interplay between light and shadow, inviting a sense of calmness and relaxation. By embracing minimalism, this project emphasizes the importance of creating spaces that foster peace and contemplation. 

 

Tapada das Relvas House | Aires Mateus | © Courtesy of Aires Mateus

The Ethereal Gallery 

Concrete and stone can transform a space into an ethereal gallery within minimalist interiors. The Melides House project exemplifies how strategically using these materials can shape a captivating environment. The interplay between solid walls, sleek surfaces, and carefully placed stone accents creates a dynamic visual experience. Natural light, filtered through large, minimalist windows, dances across the textured surfaces, accentuating the beauty of the materials and the natural elements displayed within the space. 

 

Read Also: The Remarkable Design Of OTIIMA Retractable Guillotine 

 

Newsletter

OTIIMA - Much more than a window

Subscribe






    Compare products

    Compare products easily by analyzing features and specifications side by side to find the best option for your needs.

    thermal-transmittance

    Thermal Transmittance

    watertightness

    Watertightness

    air-permeability

    Air permeability

    wind-resistance

    Wind resistance

    resistance

    Impact resistance

    insulation

    Sound insulation

    security

    Security

    thermal-transmittance

    Thermal Transmittance

    Uw Ug = 1,0 (38mm)
    Uw Ug = 0.5 (54mm)

    watertightness

    Watertightness

    ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

    E1200 (54mm)

    (4 classes above 9A) 1

    air-permeability

    Air permeability

    ISO EN 12207 + ISO EN 1026

    Class 4

    (600 Pa or 119 Km/h) 1 2

    wind-resistance

    Wind resistance

    ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

    Class C5

    (in 6 possible classes) 2

    resistance

    Impact resistance

    ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

    Class 5

    (2000 Pa or 200 Km/h)

    insulation

    Sound insulation

    ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

    Rw: 42 db (up to)
    security

    Security

    ISO EN 1628 + ISO EN 1629 + ISO EN 1630

    RC2: (WK2)

    3

    thermal-transmittance

    Thermal Transmittance

    Uw Ug = 1,0 (38mm)
    Uw Ug = 0.5 (54mm)
    Uw Ug = 0.47 (62mm)

    watertightness

    Watertightness

    ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

    E1200

    (7 classes above 9A) 1

    air-permeability

    Air permeability

    ISO EN 12207 + ISO en 1026

    Class 4

    (600 Pa or 110 Km/h) 1

    wind-resistance

    Wind resistance

    ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

    Class B5

    (2000 Pa or 200 Km/h) 1

    resistance

    Impact resistance

    ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

    Class 5 (38mm / 54mm)

    1C1 | 2B2 | 1B1 2 (62mm)

    insulation

    Sound insulation

    ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

    Rw: 42 db (up to) (38mm / 54mm)

    Rw: 44 db (up to) (62mm)

    security

    Security

    ISO EN 1628 + ISO EN 1629 + ISO EN 1630

    RC2: (WK2)

    3

    thermal-transmittance

    Thermal Transmittance

    Uw Ug = 1.0 (38mm)
    Uw Ug = 0.5 (54mm)

    watertightness

    Watertightness

    ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

    E1650

    (7 Clases superior a 9A) 1

    air-permeability

    Air permeability

    ISO EN 12207 + ISO EN 1026

    Class 4

    (600 Pa or 110 Km/h) 1

    wind-resistance

    Wind resistance

    ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

    Class C5

    (2000 Pa or 200 Km/h) 1

    resistance

    Impact resistance

    ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

    Class 5
    insulation

    Sound insulation

    ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

    Rw: 42 db (up to)
    security

    Security

    ISO EN 1628 + ISO EN 1629 + ISO EN 1630

    RC2: (WK2)

    2

    thermal-transmittance

    Thermal Transmittance

    Uw Ug = 0.7 (38mm)
    Uw Ug = 0.7 (54mm)

    watertightness

    Watertightness

    ISO EN 12208 + ISO EN 1027

    Class 8A

    (450 Pa or 95 km/h)

    air-permeability

    Air permeability

    ISO EN 12207 + ISO en 1026

    Class 3

    (600 Pa or 110 Km/h)

    wind-resistance

    Wind resistance

    ISO EN 12210 + ISO EN 12211

    Class C5

    (2000 Pa or 200 Km/h)

    resistance

    Impact resistance

    ISO EN 12600 + ISO EN 1630

    Class 5

    (in 6 possible classes)

    insulation

    Sound insulation

    ISO EN 10140 + ISO EN 717

    Rw: 38 db (up to)
    security

    Security

    RC2: (WK2) 2

    RC2: (WK2)