As is often the case with great design – less is more. This collection of breathtaking homes from a variety of countries around the world celebrates minimalism in architecture at its very best. We’ve collated these from a variety of famous architects, and in all cases their design work speaks for itself.

Whilst these aren’t local homes, you can find breathtaking houses to rent in Belfast and across N.I. at PropertyPal.

Dupli Casa – Germany

Architect: J Mayer H Architects

Photographer: David Franck

Location: Ludwigsburg, Germany

Whilst this is a relatively old project (completed 2006-2006) – it still holds true today as a beautiful example of minimalist architecture.  The entire project was designed and conceived to work within the footprint of the previous house that was originally built on the site in 1984. Sleek lines throughout the project connect the space perfectly with the existing landscape profile.

Living Church – Netherlands

Architect: Zecc Architects

Location: Utrecht, Netherlands

The ‘living church’ was nominated for a Dutch design award in 2008. It has a stark minimalist feel that the designers have achieved by limiting details right down to the bare essentials. Sharp lines within the open plan design complimented with silver, black and white tones lead the eye through the building and help further open the space.

Sagaponack House – USA

Architects: Selldorf Architects

Photographer: Nikolas Koenig

Location: New York, USA

This elegant building is the result of the developer commissioning Selldorf as one of a host of well known architects to design minimalist homes in Long Island. The rooms are organised around a central courtyard and bordering this, a marble walkway separates the public and private spaces.  Extensive use of glass, breezeways and terraces result give this minimalist home a perfect serenity.

Fastnet House – Ireland

Architects: Scott Tallon Walker Architects

Location: County Cork, Ireland

The sleepy town of Kinsale is located in the South East corner of Ireland, it has a splendid, virtually land locked natural harbour on the estuary of the Bandon River, 11 nautical miles South West of Cork. Scott Tallon Walker designed this minimalist house with floor to ceiling glazing to maximise scenic views over the beautiful Kinsale Harbour.

Curraghbeena rd – Australia

Architects: Luigi Rosselli

Photography: Justin Alexander

Location: Mosman, New South Wales, Australia

Luigi Rosselli’s is an italian / australian practising architect. His  approach to architecture is principled and modern, employing the use of good proportions and solidity, and this is clearly evident within this project in the New South Wales region. A variety of high quality materials have been used, on the exterior natural stone has been perfectly fused with a clean white facade, and on the interior contrasting, marble wood and clean lines showcase the space perfectly.

Tuath na Mara – Ireland

Architects: MacGabhann Architects

Photography: Dennis Gilbert – VIEW Pictures

Location: Lough Swilly, Co. Donegal, Ireland

This impressive modern design from Irish architects MacGabhann Architects has won several awards including a RIBA Public Choice Award. The building has a striking modern, yet minimal appearance which is perfect in its setting. Both the walls and roof have been clad in black zinc for resilience from the irish weather, with the overall building blending perfectly with the headland, virtually invisible from the surrounding sea. As a holiday home it presents a calm tranquility with a modern twist to its occupants.

Hariri & Hariri Pool House – USA

Architects: Hariri & Hariri

Location: New York, USA

Houses at Sagaponac is a groundbreaking architectural project initiated by the late developer Harry Brown. The project features 34 modern summer houses designed, by world famous architects from around the globe. See earlier featured home from Selldorf, another part in the development.

The Hariri & Hariri house takes the form of a minimalist structure placed on a platform within and engaging the untouched natural landscape. The exterior includes a terrace, porch, swimming pool, studio and tennis court.

Sosnowski House – USA

Architects: Chen & Suchart Studio

Location: Tempe, Arizona, USA

This fantastic house has been designed by the talented Chen+ Suchart studio architects which is sympathetic to its urban situation. The  use of  wooden cladding soften the design, perfectly complimenting the landscape.

Esher House – Surrey UK

Architects: Wilkinson King Architects

Location: Surrey, UK

This minimalist house design in the south east of england is a straightforward, crisp and clean. It has won design award in a variety of categories including Winner of one–off dwelling Category, Architect of the Year Award. 2005 and Winner: Best Residential Design, Daily Telegraph Home Building and Renovation Award, 2005.

Kamakura House – Japan

Architects: Foster + Partners

Location: Kamakura, Japan

The design of this house is informed by the Japanese belief that nature is at its most beautiful when considered in relation to the man-made. Like many traditional Japanese houses, it is essentially inward looking, opening up only to take advantage of a sequence of ‘captured’ views of the surrounding landscape.