Minimalism and Design – How Modern Doors and Windows Enhance Interior Aesthetics and Connect Them with Nature

The Link, Antwerp, Belgium. Systems used: MB-70HI, MB-77HS, MB-SR50N EFEKT, MB-SR50N HI+. Certification: BREEAM Excellent. 

Aesthetic simplicity of lines, functionality, and ecology form the triad of key trends in contemporary architecture, gradually becoming a permanent part of our landscape. While minimalism is not new to architecture, current technological solutions allow for further pushing its boundaries, creating harmonious, modern spaces that captivate with their aesthetics while integrating interiors with the surrounding world.

What Solutions Should Be Considered and Where to Draw Inspiration?

Minimalism in Design

Reducing form to the essential minimum and eliminating all unnecessary elements are fundamental to minimalism, a dominant trend in contemporary architecture for nearly 50 years.

Belgian minimalism is distinctive, as it focuses not just on creating a simple and austere space like Japanese minimalism, but on using simplicity to achieve elegance, comfort, and coziness. This is accomplished through a play of colors, textures, and layering different materials. These elements, rather than additional embellishments or decorations, form the core of the design.

Rosa, Tychy, Poland. Systems used: EXTRABOND, MB-EXPO, MB-SR50N EI EFEKT. 

The Impact of Windows and Doors on Interior Aesthetics

Until recently, the role of windows in building aesthetics was considered only from the facade perspective. However, the design of doors and windows is crucial for creating a cohesive and harmonious interior. These elements become not only functional aspects of architecture but also integral parts of interior decoration. When aiming to build an aesthetic and minimalist interior space, they cannot be overlooked.

Minimalist Trends in Selecting Windows and Doors 

Large glazing areas, narrow frames, flat and large panes without visible joints, and fully glazed walls with fixed windows alongside balcony doors and operable windows are excellent examples of minimalist designs that integrate the interior with the building's exterior.

Aluprof offers several aluminum window and door systems that perfectly fit into minimalist design, emphasizes Emmanuel Gregoire, Managing Director at Aluprof Belgium NV.

The MB-Slimline system, featuring windows with narrow profiles, is an example of a minimalist system available from the company. With very narrow aluminum profiles, it allows for the creation of window sashes that can be almost invisible. At the same time, this solution boasts high thermal and acoustic insulation, tightness, and high durability of the construction.

Bengal Street (One Silk St) Development, Manchester, United Kingdom. Systems used: MB-59S, MB-Slimline, MB-SR50N. 

Close to Nature with Large Glazing

Large glass panels offer simplicity in form while allowing spaces to open up and breathe. They are significant in both home and apartment projects in rural or forested areas and in commercial buildings in city centers, where enabling free flow of sunlight is crucial. This connection makes indoor spaces feel virtually "open" to the outside.

In this context, aluminum windows and doors are worth noting as they allow for the creation of panoramic glazing, extending from floor to ceiling, and creating a sense of direct connection to nature.

Sliding doors with a concealed frame, like the MB-Skyline, are designed for these types of spaces. Featuring narrow profiles, these sliding doors offer threshold-free transitions, such as from an interior to a terrace, providing a sleek and lightweight appearance, even when the doors are substantial—even up to 4 meters in height. This effect is achieved by concealing the frame within the wall, floor, and ceiling, and aligning the door leaf flush with the frame profile on the sides. The system's lack of width limitations means it can be combined to create a continuous glass expanse.

Hotel Nobu Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland. Systems used: MB-86 ST, MB-SR50N EFEKT, MB-SR50N EI EFEKT, MB-SR50N OW, MB-78EI, MB-86 SI, MB-Skyline. 

Selection of Materials and Solutions

When choosing windows and doors for minimalist buildings, it's essential to consider not only aesthetics but also, importantly, ecology. Windows must be durable, weather-resistant, and provide proper thermal insulation.

Aluminum systems are a solution that meets all these needs, allowing for large-scale glazing on one hand and enabling the installation of even triple-glazed structures on the other.

– Aluprof solutions are among the few that allow for the combination of multiple panels. For instance, folding doors in the MB-86 FOLD LINE HD system can combine up to 8 panels in a single, panoramic expanse, including corner configurations – emphasizes Gregoire.

– We also have systems that can replace traditional steel joinery, which is particularly important in renovation projects – the specialist continues.

An example is the aluminum windows with narrow profiles in the MB-Ferroline system. This is one of the most frequently used solutions in projects that require leaving old frames. Their installation does not require dismantling, minimizing the risk of damage to the walls around the window—crucial in the renovation of historic buildings and when preserving the style and character of the renovated building is important.

Let’ Build a Better Future

It's important to remember that choosing aluminum doors and windows is not only an aesthetic decision but also, perhaps more importantly, a choice for a modern and environmentally friendly solution. Aluminum is one of the greatest hopes in construction—a material that is not only durable but can be endlessly recycled, enabling the creation of energy-efficient solutions that are in high demand in contemporary construction. By selecting these technologies, designers and construction professionals in Belgium can create spaces that combine modernity with ecology, meeting the expectations of today’s clients.