The new modern minimalism in Architecture has been exploring the vastness of the liminal. One such example of rare modern monolithic architecture is Bunker Architecture. A bunker is an underground military defensive fortification designed to protect people from flying bombs and other violent catastrophes. The sheer purpose of protection, the bunkers were devoid of any style, it becomes a ghost-modern architecture with haunting memories of tragic happenings in the past, also the aesthetic simplicity of the idea of the structures. With renewed interest in Brutalism, many designers took the concept of Bunker Architecture to explore the emotive minimalism of the style. Many modernist architects started exploring the concept of bunker Architecture with various designs of their own.
1. A Safe House, Ukraineby Sergey Makhno Architects Designs
Sergey Makhno Architects recently revealed the plans of Underground House Plan B in a Ukrainian forest. It features a large helipad to offer a sculpture with no sign of private residence. It is spread in 2,280 sq. m and 15m below depth. The house is envisioned as an autonomous house and features all amenities and comfort of all living spaces.
2. Blåvand Bunker museum, Denmarkby BIG & Varde
In 2017, BIG architects completed the design of a Bunker museum and cultural center to create a dynamic dialogue between the old and the new. The rational and sensitive approach to the design can be seen with transparency and balance between the natural and the artificial. The structure is made of RCC with large slabs tilted to not shadow the natural surrounding dunes.
3. Bunker 599by RAAAF & Atelier de Lyon
Bunker 599 is a radical intervention of Dutch cultural heritage to shed new light and to make people look at their surroundings in a new way. The indestructible bunker with monumental status is sliced open and a wooden boardwalk cuts through the heavy construction. It provides a footpath to a nearby floodplain and natural reserve.
4. Kamiuma House, Tokyoby Chop + Archi
Japanese architecture studio Chop + Archi designed a house using a trio of courtyards and the sharpest dead space corners in a triangular plot in Tokyo. The house offers plenty of privacy and control of the levels of strong sunlight. Daylight is brought in through voids carved in the corners of the house.
5. Peace and the Culture Bunker, Seoul by CoRe Architects
South Korean studio CoRe Architects transformed a 1970 built military bunker into a creative hub for the local community of Seoul. The 250m extended bunker follows a 20m tall observation tower which was designed to provide visitors with a view across the park axis.
6. House in Toyonaka, Osakaby FujiwaraMuro Architects
Japanese studio FujiwaraMuro Architects designed House in Toyonaka, Osaka, as a series of offset boxes with gaps to allow light and ventilation, while maintaining the occupant’s privacy. Space seems closed off to the outside world and yet provides a beautiful space with minimalism.
7. The Feuerle Collection, Berlin by John Pawson
John Pawson transformed a WW2 telecommunication bunker into a contemporary art and furniture museum in Berlin. It is a private museum hosting contemporary art, Imperial Chinese furniture, and Southeast Asian art collections. Pawson took the minimal approach with the visceral experience of mass.
8. Brexit Bunker, London by Rise Design Studio
Rise Design Studio designed a sunken steel-clad extension in the garden of a London house. The studio faces the main house and is directly behind the railway track, covering the entire exterior of the garden. The studio takes a natural approach with the materials and use of skylight windows for the light. The small space provides a private place to relax amidst the garden.
9. Holiday Home, Netherlands by Studio B-ILD
Belgian studio B-ILD redesigned a wartime bunker into a tiny vacation home where guests sleep under concrete walls and the home offers comfort in its minimalism. The half-submerged bunker is 9 sq. m with less than 2m head height, hence everything is custom to make optimum use of the space. The design is flexible and adjustable in the middle of the Netherland forest view.
10. Hamburg Energie, Germany by IBA Hamburg
IBA Hamburg converted a Second World War bunker in Hamburg into a renewable energy plant and visitor center. The company expanded the 42m high ruined concrete shell with four cylindrical forms that sit at the top. A public cafe that spills out onto the balcony through a glass wall and an event space were also added on the upper level.
