Minimalist architecture can be characterized by one word: simple – reducing a building down to its most basic form, function, and essence. Nothing over the top, nothing extra, and forget the ornate froufrou-ness. This is also true about minimalist house plans.
The same minimalist characteristics of buildings apply to their respective floor plans.
Minimalist house plans are typically comprised of simple geometries of space. Their layouts are functional and purposefully arranged. And while many are compact and efficient in space planning wasting very little space, others are roomier and open, letting furniture and spaces breathe. The goal is not to be small and compact. It’s to create simple, clean spaces that evoke a sense of order and tranquility regardless of the size.
Simple forms, open floor plans, minimal interior walls, modest storage areas, and an emphasis on views and daylight are defining characteristics of many minimalist house plans. Many minimalist floor plans also lack redundant space. You won’t find extra spaces like formal sitting rooms, dining rooms, libraries, dens, or walk-in closets. Spaces are adaptable and flexible for multiple purposes and storage spaces are sized for basic necessities.
Take a look at these minimalist house plans for design inspiration. See if you can notice the characteristics of minimalism.
One of the first minimalist houses in our history was Philip Johnson’s Glass House, built in 1949.
Many minimalist characteristics define this early house plan starting with a simple rectangular floor plan. There aren’t any complex ins and outs in the exterior envelope, just a simple glass facade. Simple steel posts support a flat roof. The layout is an open floor plan with lots of natural daylight flooding the spaces. The only walls are for the bathroom which leaves plenty of breathing room for the furniture and habitable spaces.
[Glass House by Philip Johnson. Photo by Architectural Digest.]
Here’s an urban 2-story modern minimalist house with 3 bedrooms in Toronto.
Notice the following minimalistic characteristics:
- simple rectilinear row house floor plans
- open floor plan on the first floor with load-bearing exterior walls
- stairs stacked along the wall for maximum efficiency
- minimal kitchen storage along wall with flanking storage closets
- private bedrooms on second floor with small closets
- room sizes adequate for their needs
- no redundant or wasted spaces
[Drawing courtesy Modernest.]
Similar to the urban minimalist home above, here’s a suburban 2-story home with a large 2-story space and 3 bedrooms in Texas.
Notice the minimalist characteristics:
- simple rectilinear geometry with slight deviation at the entry
- open floor plan for the first floor with load-bearing exterior walls (eliminates the need for structural supports in the spaces)
- stairs along the wall out of the way
- basic U-shaped kitchen w/ bathroom and utility area tucked in the back
- private bedrooms on second floor of moderate sizes w/ modest closet space
- minimal extra storage/shelving space
[Garden Street Residence by Pavonetti Architecture. Drawing courtesy Pavonetti Architecture.]
Here’s a linear 1-story modern minimalist home with coastal views in Chile.
[House W by 01Arq. Drawing courtesy o1Arq.]
Similar minimalist house plan on a single floor level:
- simple rectilinear floor plan
- open floor plan for kitchen, dining, living area
- clustered private bedroom spaces of modest size
- views and daylighting of all spaces to the north
- simple, organized storage “bar” along hallway
- room sizes are adequate for basic needs
- plenty of breathing room around furniture
- very little redundant or wasted space[/fusion_builder_column_inner]
[House W by 01Arq. Photo by Mauricio Fuertes.]
How about this unique 1-story minimalist retreat tucked in rural Finland?
The floor plan doesn’t need to be rectilinear to have minimalist characteristics.
- cruciform geometric shape w/ simple organization of spaces
- open floor plan w/ minimal interior walls
- framed views to the exterior
- compact, efficient floor plan
- no extra storage spaces
[Four-cornered Villa by Avanto Architects.
Photo by Kuvio – Anders Portman and Martin Sommerschield.]
[Drawing courtesy Avanto Architects.]
Here’s a simple 2-story, 1 bedroom loft residence on the coast of Nova Scotia.
Minimalist characteristics:
- simple rectilinear floor plan
- open concept plan for living, dining, and kitchen
- clustered service zone of bathroom, laundry, and kitchen storage
- stairs flanking the back wall
- modestly-sized spaces and minimal storage
[Cliff House by Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects. Photo by Greg Richardson.]
[Cliff House by Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects. Drawing courtesy Mackay-Lyons Sweetapple Architects.]
And lastly, a 3-story minimalist cabin in a flood plain of Washington state. (The uninhabitable lower level is used as utility and storage.)
[ Delta Shelter by Olson Kundig Architects. Drawing courtesy Olson Kundig Architects.]
Pretty sure by now you can pick out the minimalist features:
- simple compact floor plan
- simple steel structural posts at exterior corners
- open floor plan for living, dining, and kitchen spaces (note: the public spaces are on the top floor to enjoy the view)
- modest kitchen and storage space for basic needs
- modestly sized private bedrooms and bathrooms
- internal stair flanking the exterior wall
- maximum views and daylight for all spaces
[Delta Shelter by Olson Kundig Architects. Drawing courtesy Benjamin Benschneider Photography.]
In this post, we shared a variety of minimalist house plans – different sizes, locations, and settings to give you various perspectives. But, as you saw, the majority of the same underlying minimalist characteristics hold true for all of them.
While you plan your minimalist home design, keep these characteristics in mind. Don’t be afraid to step outside the box a little. Most of these floor plans show rectilinear layouts but that doesn’t have to be the case. The most important thing is that you design to your own liking. Not some textbook definition of what you “should” have.
Remember that minimalism is about living a simple life – living in simple spaces that function well, fulfill your basic needs, and are easy to maintain so that you can spend more time and money on things, people, and experiences that really matter to you.[/fusion_text]
What other minimalist characteristics and patterns do you notice? What do you like and dislike? How can these spaces suit your needs or what would you like to see done differently? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Feel free to share them in the comment section below.
