foundations of form
the principles that define architectural minimalism were forged in the crucible of modern art—the gallery served as laboratory where radical ideas of abstraction and reduction were first tested
de stijl
universal harmony through pure abstraction—horizontal and vertical lines, primary colors, asymmetrical balance
bauhaus
unification of art, craft, and technology—truth to materials, rational design for mass production
minimal art
rejection of emotionalism—focus on literal, objective presence using industrial materials and fabrication
the cyanotype aesthetic
the architectural blueprint achieved minimalist aesthetics without minimalist philosophy—a form of reduction born from function, not concept
technical origins
invented by sir john herschel in 1842, the cyanotype process was designed for efficiency and accuracy—not artistic expression.
iron salts react with uv light to create prussian blue, leaving white lines where the original drawing blocked exposure.
inherent minimalism
high-contrast medium incapable of continuous tones—only binary information of line versus no-line.
complex three-dimensional buildings distilled into pure, abstract language of geometry.
design principles
translating architectural philosophy into wearable form—where richness is achieved through careful subtraction
tactile minimalism
sensory experience heightened through material honesty—celebrating the natural grain of linen, weight of canvas, drape of wool
structured tailoring
pure geometric forms as foundation—precise seams, architectural silhouettes creating uncluttered compositions on the body
material honesty
premium textiles used in natural state—celebrating inherent textures and character of cotton, linen, and wool
defining silhouette
garment shapes defined by structure and ease rather than decoration—creating personal architecture for the body
light and shadow
interplay of light across fabric texture and garment structure—making illumination and shadow central to the wearing experience
systematic reduction
methodical process of distillation—every seam serves clear purpose, eliminating decorative excess to reveal essential form
embodied minimalism
counter.haus does not build minimalist spaces; we create garments that allow the wearer to embody minimalist principles.
from mondrian's neoplasticism to the bauhaus ethos of "form follows function," we trace the lineage of minimalism through its revolutionary manifestations—then translate these principles into wearable form.
the blueprint—with its stark white lines on cyan ground—represents an unintentional minimalism born of technical necessity, later reclaimed as our visual vocabulary for structured tailoring.
our apparel becomes a form of personal architecture—a wearable sanctuary of clarity that provides order and intention in a world of visual excess.