Minimalist Home in Spain Wins World Architecture News Award
An unadorned house in an ancient Catalonian district catches the attention of the jury panel for its minimalist interior design
Houzz
March 9, 2012
Honest minimalism came out on top in the 2011 World Architecture News (WAN) Interior Design Awards announced earlier this week, with a house in the Girona district of Catalonia, Spain, winning the top award in the residential category.
Other shortlisted spaces were recognized for investigating ideas about materiality and proportion (California), contrasting interior worlds (Little Venice, London), combining drama and functionality (Mayfair, London) and composed architecture (Indonesia).
"Residential was by far the hardest category to pick a winner," says jury panel member Terence Conran, who adds that the winning space by Anna Noguera "could have easily been overdone but [was] created in a restrained and thoughtful manner."
Other shortlisted spaces were recognized for investigating ideas about materiality and proportion (California), contrasting interior worlds (Little Venice, London), combining drama and functionality (Mayfair, London) and composed architecture (Indonesia).
"Residential was by far the hardest category to pick a winner," says jury panel member Terence Conran, who adds that the winning space by Anna Noguera "could have easily been overdone but [was] created in a restrained and thoughtful manner."
Winner: Alemanys 5 House, Girona, Spain
Architect: Anna Noguera
The jury was particularly impressed with how Noguera's work dialogues with the old and how the intrinsic characteristics from the original construction were drawn out — not so much from a historical perspective but through their architectural qualities.
Architect: Anna Noguera
The jury was particularly impressed with how Noguera's work dialogues with the old and how the intrinsic characteristics from the original construction were drawn out — not so much from a historical perspective but through their architectural qualities.
The house's staircase sits in the space between the building's two arms, acting as a pivot point from which the rest of the layout is generated.
Shortlisted: Home in Mayfair, London
Architect: Candy and Candy Architects
The client's wish was to make the space swing again as it had done in the '60s. Dark and moody interiors, industrial materials and atmospheric lighting give the impression of a masculine entertainment space — fitting for the client, a nightclub owner who wanted both a home and an after-hours venue in which to entertain his friends.
Architect: Candy and Candy Architects
The client's wish was to make the space swing again as it had done in the '60s. Dark and moody interiors, industrial materials and atmospheric lighting give the impression of a masculine entertainment space — fitting for the client, a nightclub owner who wanted both a home and an after-hours venue in which to entertain his friends.
Shortlisted: Home in Little Venice, London
Architect: Wells Mackereth Architects
Once a derelict warehouse wedged between Victorian mansions in a posh London neighborhood, this house in Little Venice has a split personality: part urban, part traditional. It has a deliberate duality of contrasting moods throughout.
Architect: Wells Mackereth Architects
Once a derelict warehouse wedged between Victorian mansions in a posh London neighborhood, this house in Little Venice has a split personality: part urban, part traditional. It has a deliberate duality of contrasting moods throughout.
Shortlisted: Home in Indonesia
Architect: PlusDesign
The collected, composed architecture is reflected in the house's interiors. A touch of blue appears throughout in the soft furnishings and the wall paint.
Architect: PlusDesign
The collected, composed architecture is reflected in the house's interiors. A touch of blue appears throughout in the soft furnishings and the wall paint.
The antiques and modern art collection of PlusDesign's clients add a personal, lived-in touch.
Shortlisted: Home in Los Angeles
Architect: Marmol Radziner
Clean lines, proportion and a lack of embellishment define this house, which was designed for an architect and his family in the Venice area of Los Angeles. The color palette of grays, greens and browns reflects the home's surrounding landscape, and the use of walnut and concrete further blur the distinction between inside and out.
Architect: Marmol Radziner
Clean lines, proportion and a lack of embellishment define this house, which was designed for an architect and his family in the Venice area of Los Angeles. The color palette of grays, greens and browns reflects the home's surrounding landscape, and the use of walnut and concrete further blur the distinction between inside and out.
A large glass piece to the east of the house provides a visual and spatial connection to the pool area and the interior living space.
More:
Houzz Interview: Master of Modernist Minimalism
Mini Guide to Minimalism
If You Love: Minimalism
More:
Houzz Interview: Master of Modernist Minimalism
Mini Guide to Minimalism
If You Love: Minimalism
Related Stories
New This Week
4 New Kitchens With Wonderful Wood Cabinets
Pros share how they used various wood species, styles, stains and details to create warm and welcoming kitchens
Full Story
Bathroom Design
5 Secrets to a Smooth-Running Family Bathroom
Pros say these are the must-have features for creating an efficient shared bathroom
Full Story
Kitchen Makeovers
Kitchen of the Week: Beer, Shuffleboard and Pizza Bring the Fun
Entertaining features and a warm industrial style create a lively atmosphere in this revamped Craftsman bungalow space
Full Story
Trending Now
The 10 Most Popular Bedrooms So Far in 2024
By Becky Harris
Feather your nest in style with inspiration from Houzz readers’ most-saved bedroom photos
Full Story
Working With Pros
Which Pro Should You Hire for Your Project?
Find out whether you need a contractor, an architect, an interior designer or another professional for the job
Full Story
Bathroom Makeovers
Bathroom of the Week: Accessibility and a Relaxing Vibe
By Becky Harris
A design-build firm uses universal design principles when expanding a family bath
Full Story
Housekeeping
How to Clean Your Windows and Keep Them Streak-Free
Try these tips, tricks and tools to wash your windows so they’re crystal clear
Full Story
Entryways
The 10 Most Popular Entries and Mudrooms So Far in 2024
Get ideas for storage setups, color schemes and special details from the most-saved entry photos so far this year
Full Story
Kitchen Design
30 Bold and Beautiful Range Backsplashes
Get ideas for eye-catching tile and stone backsplashes inside stove alcoves and behind cooktops
Full Story
Porches
Porch of the Week: Catching a Breeze in Austin, Texas
By Becky Harris
The new screened-in space has a beautiful fireplace as a focal point and includes lounging and dining spaces
Full Story
This house is more modern than minimalist, because it has too many dark colors, and too many furniture pieces, and decor. But, it is still a nice home.