Minimalist building façades

This week, we’re going to discuss the artistic trend of minimalism but with a focus on a part of architecture that is equally unique as it is important: building façades. We could, of course, just as easily talk about their application from a structural perspective as we could a decorative one.

However, we are going to focus on the latter because the revival of minimalist trends has experienced a significant upsurge in the world of décor recently. Although this trend has remained a consistent mainstay in contemporary architecture and interior design, it is coming through very strongly this season. We therefore have some great ideas for you to consider when seeking essence of such purity that it evokes simplicity.

Minimalism emerged as an artistic trend in the United States during the 1960s and is mainly based on the reduction of all superfluous elements to leave only the simplest and most necessary, such as straight lines, clean flat surfaces and abstract geometry.

The concept has a tremendously versatile approach to materials, despite an overall consistency and the elimination of everything superfluous being its main characteristics. Large format pieces are your friend when applying a minimalist style as they maintain linear purity and visual continuity in the overall effect. One good idea is to use two different types of materials that complement one another to create separate aesthetic sections vertically.

For example, you might combine natural stone with wood, which is a material that brings a natural feel and simplicity to any façade without falling into the trap of monotony. These materials should be as smooth and flat as possible so as to not impede the achievement of your minimalist goal. If you want to add a more personal touch, it is best to opt for a satin finish rather than a glossy one. Nonetheless, the minimalism purists among you will always choose a matt finish.

Cement is another material to consider because, decoratively speaking, it evokes austere and efficient absolute functionality. Combining this with steel – in railings or window frames, for example – creates a very interesting contrast and will shift your façade towards the industrial style, which perfectly suits a minimalist design and modernises the overall look and feel. Speaking of windows, the use of glass or even tempered glass is highly popular. They should be large in size but with a slim profile because this will provide a broad view and plenty of opportunity for light and the outside to pour through.

In terms of colour, we recommend neutral tones such as white, cream or even a gentle terracotta as this avoids diverting attention from any specific architectural elements. If you want something a little darker, you might choose from the range of greys (from pearl to anthracite). This can result in volumes that are quite imposing, but that will depend on the architecture and the specific façade design, in which case, it might be the perfect match.

These minimalist ideas will give your building façades a timeless elegance that perfectly matches the latest trends, and we hope you take them into consideration when designing the outside space for your homes.