
INTERNATIONAL DESIGN COMPETITION
MINIMAL DWELLING
HOME DESIGN 2024
RESULT ANNOUNCEMENT!
FOREWORD
We are delighted to present the results of the Minimal Dwelling 2024 design competition—an inspiring journey into the heart of minimalist architecture. Now in its second edition, this competition has once again drawn the attention of visionary architects and designers from around the world, all united by a common goal: to reimagine the essence of living through simplicity.
In a world increasingly saturated with complexity, the Minimal Dwelling competition invites a return to clarity—asking participants to design with restraint, intention, and elegance. The challenge was clear yet profound: to create a minimalistic home for a family of three, one that nurtures daily life through thoughtful spatial planning, efficient use of resources, and a harmonious relationship with nature.
This year's submissions demonstrated an extraordinary level of creativity and discipline. Participants skillfully explored how pared-down spaces can still feel warm, personal, and livable. From ingenious layouts to subtle material palettes, the proposals reflected a deep understanding of how less can indeed be more—how architecture, when stripped to its essentials, can still speak volumes.
The selected winners and honorable mentions not only fulfilled the brief but elevated it. Their designs are quiet yet powerful statements about the future of residential architecture—one that values purpose over excess, and connection over clutter.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and participants. Your work affirms the continuing relevance and richness of minimalist design, and we are proud to celebrate your vision through this platform.
Stay tuned for more opportunities to showcase your creativity with Archiol Competitions.
Jurors:
Internal Team of 10 Jury members
External Jury Members:
1. Sunanda Satwah
2. Yanci Chen
3. Jiafeng Li
Top Three
FIRST PLACE WINNER
Amit Tapadia, Isha Sancheti, Aakanksha Sahu & Siddharaj Nakile
SECOND PLACE WINNER
Faustino Sinopoli & Diego Delgado
THIRD PLACE WINNER
Seohui Koo
FIRST PRIZE WINNER
Skyward Journey
Amit Tapadia, Isha Sancheti, Aakanksha Sahu & Siddharaj Nakile
Jury Critique
"The design is highly innovative, with a unique rotating structure and assembly method that skillfully integrates architecture with nature. It’s recommended to further consider the impact on the trees, including how their growth over time may affect the structure’s stability and long-term use without causing harm to the environment."
-Yanci Chen
"Very innovative, well detailed & and well presented. Loved the design proposal !"
-Sunanda Satwah
"A playful, childlike design that also thoughtfully considers practical feasibility and real-world implementation."
-Jiafeng Li
SECOND PRIZE WINNER
Raisuhatto
Faustino Sinopoli & Diego Delgado
Jury Critique
"The design has an interesting and playful form that blends well into the landscape"
-Yanci Chen
"This is a good design proposal, rooted in culture, and meeting the brief. An interesting and innovative proposal to building sustainably on steep terrains. Good work."
-Sunanda Satah
"This is a refined and spatially compelling design that thoughtfully engages with traditional customs, offering a reimagined interpretation of minimal living within the contemporary vernacular context."
-Jiafeng Li
THIRD PRIZE WINNER
Pinwheel House
Seohui Koo
Jury Critique
"Pinwheel House offers a clever and compact layout that organizes living functions around a central core, with the presentation reinforcing this idea well. The passive strategies are thoughtfully considered, though the exterior interface could benefit from further development, especially in how the pinwheel form creates corner platforms and connects them to the interior."
-Yanci Chen
"It is an interesting form. Minimalistic and efficient. However the concept of pin-wheel form and elimination of walls could have been explored in more detail. Standardization & use of modular furniture to define spaces was a good call."
-Sunanda Satwah
"The design cleverly uses the scale and articulation of furniture to dematerialize the structure, expressing a contemporary minimalist home through pure geometric volumes. It’s a compelling and expressive proposal."
-Jiafeng Li
SPECIAL MENTION
Crosswinds Dwelling
Louie Rodriguez Ferrer & Gabriel Rivera Leon
Jury Critique
"Crosswinds Dwelling offers a calm and climate-responsive design rooted in local context and inspired by Klumb’s architectural legacy. The elevated structure, natural ventilation, and green roof are thoughtful strategies that support both comfort and sustainability."
-Yanci Chen
"This is a fascinating design proposal. Minimalistic yet expansive. The juxtaposition of spaces is very interesting. Visual vocabulary sits well within context. The upper floor plan should have been included in the submission panels."
-Sunanda Satwah
"The project reflects a commendable sensitivity to the site and effectively integrates sustainable design strategies. Nevertheless, it lacks a clear articulation of the essential principles of minimal dwelling."
-Jiafeng Li
HONOURABLE MENTION
A Sanctuary of Quiet Elegance
Ecem Aksoy & Jack Pearce
Jury Critique
"The concept is strong, and the curved, ribbed structure inspired by the piano is visually engaging."
-Yanci Chen
"Interesting concept of integrating the piano with a rhythmic co-existence. The application of repeating elements keeps the visual vocabulary consistent, yet simple & elegant."
-Sunanda Satwah
"The design captures a piano-like fluidity in space, showcasing a highly creative and thoughtful spatial composition."
-Jiafeng Li
HONOURABLE MENTION
Tarua
Aniruddha Nirmal, Krishna Ram Sagar & Sudiksha Patil
Jury Critique
"The floating dwelling offers a strong spatial narrative, with the underwater bedroom and open upper deck clearly expressing the theme of land and water. To further enhance the experience, more attention could be given to the transition between levels and how movement through the space reinforces this connection."
-Yanci Chen
"Well thought of and integrated design proposal. The modular adaptable furniture and material selection complement the self-sufficient minimalistic dwelling. Good work."
-Sunanda Satwah
"The concept creatively engages with local vernacular and traditional architectural culture. However, incorporating a clearer material strategy within the visual presentation would strengthen the project’s credibility and impact."
-Jiafeng Li
HONOURABLE MENTION
Flows - living with the breeze
Jiyeon Seo
Jury Critique
"The roof gesture responds beautifully to the coastal context, and the floor plan is efficiently organized to maximize views."
-Yanci chen
"I like the way the dwelling works with context and the core concept of wind, incorporating them in shape, technical detail and thermal comfort; without deviating from the brief."
-Sunanda Satwah
"The design embraces nature and stems from a human-centered perspective, resulting in a warm and refined architectural expression. The form of the building integrates the core concept of ventilation, achieving a high level of coherence between concept and form."
-Jiafeng Li
HONOURABLE MENTION
Inhabitus
Alejandro Lecon & Briana Mesa
Jury Critique
"Very striking concept, with a bold and interesting construction method that makes strong use of the natural landscape. To push the idea further, it would be helpful to clarify how light is brought into the space and how the openings relate to the specific activities inside."
-Yanci Chen
"Very interesting and ambitious. A utopian concept. Carving spaces out of a boulder to create habitable spaces may impact its structural integrity and form. It could work on a larger outcrop of hillock; nevertheless, a daring proposal."
-Sunanda Satwah
"By interpreting, understanding, and reimagining nature, the design places the home within a stone mass—an impressively creative concept."
-Jiafeng Li
HONOURABLE MENTION
Yamazumi
Leesley Polanco & Justina Vaicelionyte
Jury Critique
"The stacked plywood concept is an interesting method that encourages the family to creatively shape their living space. To strengthen the idea, it would be helpful to explore how the large roof and platform can better support and reinforce the flexible, modular living experience."
-Yanci Chen
"Interesting concept. Playful; minimalistic; yet functional. Stacking the plywood masses offers multiple juxtapositions of (usable) spaces. Neat."
-Sunanda Satwah
"through the use of modular furniture, the project demonstrates a lively and insightful interpretation of minimal living—a proposal that is both intriguing and thought-provoking."
-Jiafeng Li
SHORTLISTED ENTRIES
1.Design Title: Modern Bivouac
Winners Name: John Coleman
2.Design Title: Minimalistic – Dwelling | Building | Living
Winners Name: Anders Macht
3.Design Title: The Smiths’ Hive
Winners Name: Ruolin Yu
4.Design Title: Maru: A Minimalist House Inspired by Hanok
Winners Name: Hyungi Hong
5.Design Title: Below the Pines – A Getaway
Winners Name: Ioana Sarealbă
6.Design Title: Sight of Site
Winners Name: Yeongjun Ko
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