Minimal exterior design – simple, beautiful, always fashionable
In the previous article, we discussed interior decoration in a minimal style. This article focuses on the design of the exterior of the building in a minimal style and explains it briefly.
1. A brief definition of minimal style
As explained in the minimal style interior design article, we are looking for simplicity and avoiding clutters. One of the slogans of this style is “less is more”. The elements that are supposed to create beauty are not outside of the functional elements, and everything should be functional and limited to that extent. This simplicity should bring a sense of peace and prevent confusion when facing shapes and landscapes.
2- Minimal style façade features including:
2-1- The use of horizontal and vertical straight lines
2-2- Simple and uncomplicated geometric volumes
In the exteriors with the minimal style, the shapes are limited to simple cubes and square and rectangular ones. In this style, we are not tending to add the volume without meaning and use. Some people say that a minimal style façade is nothing more than the filling and emptying of cubes which of course, have practical and functional meanings. For example, they may have defined the roof line or indicated the extent of the terrace or a window and are not merely decorative.
Therefore, the minimal style has few similarities with the neoclassical facade. Because in the design of the neoclassical facade, vertical and horizontal lines and cubic volumes are the principals as well.
2-3- The use of materials and their combination in a minimal Facade
Although in a modern facade, the combination of three or even four different materials is considered as normal, but in a minimal facade, you use one or at most two materials, one of which is very dominant, so that it doesn’t affect the simplicity in appearance of the facade. This combination of two types of materials will only create dimension and depth and visual appeal.
2-4- Colours in minimal façade
As we are limited in the use of materials, the colours are also limited in a minimal facade. In addition, the colours of the minimal facade are mostly neutral colours and bright colours. Basically, in this style, one colour dominates, which can be white for example, and colours such as black or gray can be used to create contrast in some parts as separators of facade spaces (such as window frames or doors).
2-5- The minimal style view of ornaments
As mentioned above, decorations in this style should be functional and practical, so we avoid unnecessary decorations. Decorations that are used are practical or divide spaces. In other words, any element that does not play a role in the functionality of the building is considered unnecessary and will be removed. Decorations should be created simultaneously in the purpose of defining and separating different elements of the facade, such as windows, doors, roof lines, floors, etc.
2-6- Openings and windows in minimal style
To maintain the simplicity of the minimal facade, we use fewer large openings.
2-7- Roofs in minimal buildings
The roof in the minimal facade will not be arched or domed and should be flat to maintain simplicity. If we have to use a sloping roof in a special climate, the slope of the roof in the minimal view should be very low. Also, sometimes we can remove the ceiling line to make the facade simpler, so that it blends into the same material of the ceiling wall.
2-8- Landscape area and surroundings of a minimal house
Due to the simplicity of the minimal facade, it is better to pay more attention to the area and the surroundings of the building in terms of beauty. This important goal can be achieved by taking advantage of nature and greenery. By paying attention to the surroundings of a minimal house, we will have a better view from inside the house and double the beauty of the minimal facade in the middle of a stylish area.
Summary of contents
Simplicity in minimal design induces a feeling of relaxation and the principle of minimal appearance is based on simplicity. This simplicity is observed in all elements of t
he facade, including lines, geometry, form, colour and material, and less is more.