Minimalist Concrete and Wood Home on the Edge of a Forest

Simple aesthetics, premium insulation and smart functionality are the features that define this minimalist contemporary home Genestrerio, Switzerland. The house was conceived and brought to life by Montemurro Aguiar Architetti respecting the beautiful wooded setting that surrounds it. It is the green landscape outside that becomes the focus of open living. Sliding glass doors and large floor-to-ceiling windows bring the outdoors in unabated, and the decor inside the home is intentionally minimalist to emphasize that look. The lack of color on the inside also helps draw focus to the outside landscape.

Modern Rusca house by Montemurro Aguiar Architetti in Switzerland

A small entrance welcomes you into the home with warm oak doors and wood accents contrasting with an otherwise stoic glass and concrete backdrop. With a floor-to-ceiling glass wall on one side and sliding glass doors on the other, the living area has a certain living-gallery-style character. A small concrete deck provides a modest outdoor seating area, although it lets in some much-needed sunlight during the winter months. Bespoke built-in wooden benches with storage in various rooms offer great window seats, while passive heating ensures homeowners don't have to spend a fortune on artificial heating. [Photography: Giorgio Marafioti]

Modern entrance made of wood and concrete with a protected entrance area

Open plan living in wood and white in concrete with glass walls on two sides

Central courtyard of the house, connected to the open plan living area

Bespoke built in wooden bench that serves as a great window seat with storage

The home's minimal concrete deck extends into the large backyard

Illuminated from the south, the forest is present in the living room. A south-facing terrace allows sunlight to enter the living room while becoming the intimate and private space where the bedrooms are located.

Small concrete deck on the outside expands private spaces

Smart placement of windows throughout the home brings in natural light

View of the wooded landscape surrounding the minimalist concrete house

Contemporary minimal house in the woods with concrete facade

By: Minimalist Concrete and Wood Home on the Edge of a Forest