Foreword
We are thrilled to announce the results of the Archiol Minimal Dwelling Design Competition, the first edition of its kind, aimed at exploring the profound possibilities of minimalism in residential design. In a world dominated by the relentless pace of digital progress and the ceaseless pursuit of material possessions, minimalism emerges as a beacon of simplicity and purpose.
Minimalism in architecture is a philosophy that liberates us from the visual noise and clutter that extravagant designs often impose on our living spaces. At its core, it seeks to promote the appreciation of space, fostering an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity for those who inhabit these spaces. The Minimal Dwelling, in particular, invites us to explore the boundaries of simplicity and to rediscover the essence of what it means to call a place 'home.'
This competition was conceived with the aspiration of unravelling the profound truth embodied in the phrase "Less is more." It challenged participants to embark on an extraordinary journey of experimentation, to conceive and craft the most simplistic architectural designs capable of providing a dignified and comfortable living experience.
The response to this competition has been remarkable, with talented individuals from around the world contributing their creative interpretations of minimalism in residential design.
Scroll down to check out the winners.
Top 3
FIRST
Caio Simonetti
Brazil
SECOND
Dingxuan Chen
China
THIRD
Dora Otano, Nicolle Leon Mata Lilyana Schilling
U.S.
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
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The Gentle Light
Caio Simonetti
Brazil
JURY COMMENTS
This a well thought proposal, and mostly well drawn, but the interior rendering is hard to stomach. The organization of space and functions works well, and suggests a thoughtful and sustainable approach to living in a semi open interior, but the interior rendering seems to present a view more like a fancy hotel than a domestic interior. Still a convincing proposal, but a better presentation of the interior would be more convincing.
-Philip Tidwel
This design responds thoroughly to orientation with the subtle use of sunshine.
-Nicole Cullinan
Suggestive indoor spatial transparency. The elimination of barriers and the creation of rooms through the furniture and the central green element make the living area vibrant, interesting and elegant. The "floating" effect of the volume of the sleeping area is suggestive.
-Antonella Marzi
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
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FD flexible and deformed HOUSE
Dingxuan Chen
China
JURY COMMENTS
A thorough and honest response to the design brief, incorporating thoughtful elements.
-Nicole Cullinan
This is a very interesting concept of ultra-compact house that downsized living spaces, simplifying the living way
-Antonella Marzi
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
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The Time Loop
Dora Otano, Nicolle Leon Mata Lilyana Schilling
U.S.
JURY COMMENTS
A well thought and well-drawn entry. I'm not sure that minimalism has been made entirely clear, but the proposal has notable architectural qualities.
-Philip Tidwel
A sophisticated design that reaches beyond the brief into complex concepts around time and space.
-Nicole Cullinan
Intersting integration with nature and landscape design, well organization of the indoor space
-Antonella Marzi
SPECIAL MENTION
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The Moving House
Mrunal Khandare, Atharva Velhal
India
JURY COMMENTS
A very thoughtful strategy for addressing the transient nature of population and the need to change location.
-Nicole Cullinan
Honorable Mention
Yiwei Shi, Nuo Xu
China
Sylvana Kam, Jayden Chi-Yuen Chan
Canada
Yu Wen Ng
Singapore
Jian Liang
U.S.
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Living Via Viewing
Yiwei Shi, Nuo Xu
China
JURY COMMENTS
The brave an thoughful design decsion to include a double height garden emites a luxurious vibe, something that can be difficult to achieve in minimalist dwellings.
-Nicole Cullinan
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Zen
Sylvana Kam, Jayden Chi-Yuen Chan
Canada
JURY COMMENTS
Zen House responds to the users feelings with a thoughtful flow for the floor plan.
-Nicole Cullinan
Spatial layout is interesting and very clean. Pure external volumes, it would have been nice to try to give greater visibility to the glass elements and reduce interference with the distribution of the furnishing elements. Overall an interesting project
-Antonella Marzi
HONOURABLE MENTION
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Ambiguous House
Yu Wen Ng
Singapore
JURY COMMENTS
Designed with thoughts of lyricism and lahguid sunlight.
-Nicole Cullinan
The curved and pure shapes, the light that caresses the white surfaces and the wood that warms the room, are certainly the characterizing elements of this interesting project.
-Antonella Marzi
HONOURABLE MENTION
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The Edge
Jian Liang
U.S.
JURY COMMENTS
Designed for a clifftop, "The Edge" situates the user perfectly for a multi sensorial experience of dwelling.
-Nicole Cullinan
A minimal and rationalist house designed through simple lines and geometries that confer elegance and identity
-Antonella Marzi
HONOURABLE MENTION
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JURY COMMENTS
Shortlisted Entries
• The Circle
Monyratanak Moeng, Kea Lyheang, Te Lerngy
South Korea
• The Forest inside the cave
Sebastien Pierre Louis, Vanessa Pierre Louis
U.S.
• Re-piece House
Lily Li, Jonathan Lin, Seungwoo Hong
U.S.
• Nirvana
Kirti Bharambe, Chiara Karnik
India
• Hilux Mtn House
Andre Castaneda, Edouard Diaz
U.S.
• Akunohana
Mohamed Hafaridzuan Harun
Bahrain
• The Cuarc House
Janhavi Kankale, Shrushti Omble, Rima George
India
• The Room with a view
Xilin Shen, Zhaodang Duan, Hongjuan Liao, Yunjie Xie
China
• The Lake Side House
Sameer Pawar, Diksha Wavhal Vislavath Praveen Naik, Sanjana Kamisetti
India