Manifiesto Futura, an independent multidisciplinary design studio based in Monterrey, Mexico, have recently added to their impressive design portfolio with this minimalist identity and packaging for the tequila based alcoholic drink, Tiqo. Tiqo is apparently a drink for a quiet moonlit night gathering at the beach, which is echoed by the circular forms in the sleek geometric logotype. Even with the stark colour palette of the bottle, it still has a strong presence and would unlikely go unnoticed on a supermarket shelf. It’s always refreshing to see such design simplicity in alcohol packaging.

The Norwegian based firm Saunders Architecture has completed a series of cabin-like artists’ studios on the lovely island of Fogo in Canada. The studios house artists participating in the Fogo Island Arts Corporation’s residency program. Tower Studio is one these stunning residences. Looming atop a rocky beach, this three story structure can only be reached by hiking along the shore. The floors of the building rotate, giving the studio a playful and unique geometry. The shape of the structure allows for a distinct exterior entrance and large triangular skylight on the middle floor. The whitewashed interior is filled with natural sunlight and holds a small kitchen, living area, bedroom, and studio space. Isolated on the shore, Tower Studio is a lonely obelisk among the flat coastline. This isolation seems appropriate for an artist’s studio: one can fill the emptiness with ideas and creations. Clean lines, simple colors, and the picturesque location meld together to form a truly brillant structure. This wonderful studio is sure to inspire any artist lucky enough to reside here.

Based in São Paulo, independent fashion design brand Cotton Project seeks to produce quality pieces for a group of individuals who share the same lifestyle and a different perspective on beach culture. They aim to create clothes that are coherent with a tropical country like Brazil, but that nonetheless carry the cultural baggage inspired by youth subcultures of music, art, photography and fashion, and apply typical urban elements to the brazilian beach culture. We believe in a downsized brand, that connects to a global culture and is responsible for the environment it lives in. The clothes are visibly well-tailored and the brand styling is an exercise in simplicity. I love the apparent softness of the materials and their fit. The brand also pairs up with musicians, artists and designers in several one-off side projects, sell a range of accessories, magazines and other international design products often not available in South America, as well as housing open happy hour parties in their studio. A true lifestyle brand.

This design of this residence located on Bondi beach takes advantage of the views and climate while delivering a modern luxury in the architecture and its details. Completed in 2011 by Sydney-based Redgen Mathieson Architects, the philosophy of the team is exhibited in the use of the materials such as Calacatta marble, white terrazzo tiles, American Walnut and dark bronze in the finishes which lets the undecorated space speak volumes of a style that is timeless. The use of movable glass panels to optimize light, views and ventilation into the living spaces, creates a strong relationship of the living experience with the environment. While I believe that minimalism should reveal good design, I also believe that it is possible for it to portray luxury. This project has proven that, maintaining the integrity of the materials as well as the architecture in a sophisticated simplicity.

A beautiful minimalist thought: to use qualities of the environment as part of your design, so you can leave out parts that you would otherwise consider fundamental. In this case, the Curt deck chair by Swiss design studio BERNHARD | BURKARD, uses leaning to do away with the minimum requirement of a third leg on a chair. The anti-slip coated stand provides safe grip on every surface, B|B ensures us, even though it looks dangerous. Now, if only the beach had more walls to lean against…

Oh boy, a minimalist villa… on the beach! This is Paraty House, located at Paraty, Brazil. It was designed by those Boys from Brazil, Marcio Kogan Architects. It consists of two 27m wide concrete boxes stacked upon each other, resulting in beautiful long lines and an amazingly huge ceiling. And check out the furniture – so many 20th century design icons! Photography by Nelson Kon.

Escape to the beach, the mountains or the trees in San Francisco-based Kyu Che’s sustainable Lifepod. Loosely based on the traditional Mongolian ger (or ‘yurt’ as the Russian translation goes), the Lifepod is at once organic and high-tech. Built to be highly portable, the Lifepod is a fully functioning, off-the-grid mini capsule for modern nomadic living. Oh, and when you take a look at the images, make sure you recognize Mies’ Farnsworth House ;-)