minimalist homes

the concept

What happens when a client asks for a minimalist design and has a specific vision about the space being predominantly bare? Most people cringe at the thought of cold and empty spaces and are familiar with minimalism yet are somehow not at ease with it. When we think of places where we live we want them to be warm and inviting and we want to surround ourselves with things, objects and memories that remind us of our experiences or represent something about us. But what if this absence of content is an invitation to open up to new possibilities, to breathe and to think without distractions, to relax and recharge in a space as light and luminous as possible.


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the project

This Great Lake retreat was conceived for a young entrepreneur that values moments of stillness amidst a very dynamic career life. The original residence was updated with strategic strokes to open up spaces, update finishes and simplify and streamline spatial and functional aspects of the home. Minimal furnishings support the idea of ‘less is more’ and ample built in storage allows for books and other objects to be at hand while out of sight.

Now some Chicago jazz to set the mood…


pluralists. problem solvers. people people.

Plāna is a Los Angeles based architecture studio rooted in design, ecological and social sustainability and effective project management. We want our end product to be a catalyst for positive personal, social and environmental change and be a source of inspiration and joy. Our aesthetic is timeless and streamlined. We develop solutions come from a deep understanding of our clients needs. And we stay around until they are implemented. We enjoy and celebrate the diversity of our clients that include schools, landowners and developers, private individuals and public institutions.

 

sweet dreams

… are made of this

When designing a perfect master bedroom retreat, there are a few key aspects for this room to remain a personal getaway and safe-haven. This special place is an expression of ones personality, hopes and dreams and is an intimate oasis. Simple yet sophisticated and furnished with only what’s most needed. No clutter! With plenty of storage, the right elegant furniture and a cozy reading or lounge area such as a modern fireplace with a comfortable chair to unwind from a busy day… What more could one ask for? Well, maybe a soundtrack…


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landscape design

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#subtletransitions

How does one blur the boundary between nature and architecture especially when nature can be so challenging with its ruggedness, slopes and grades and architecture strives for its clean lines, order and organization? In negotiating this transition we often set clear limits for where one begins and the other end but what if these limits were less defined and more playful. What if this transitional landscape is both wild and structured?


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#naturesbest

This is something we explored in this residential project situated in the Santa Monica mountains.

In this project, it was all about connecting and adapting to the existing topography and landscape. By paying attention to the sloped underutilized areas, the surrounding natural materials and wide range of indigenous plants, our design team found it challenging to domesticate those parts into the unobtrusive patio. It all led to implementing simple sculptural elements, gradually fading into the nature, forming a perfect oasis.

How would you use this kind of space? Would it be for morning meditation? Or maybe for some afternoon reading? Let us know!