“In our culture, stereotypical portrayals of architects are rampant, with the caricatures showing them as overworked, underpaid artistic wannabes shrouded in black.”
Lidija Grozdanic’s perfect summary of the clichés embodied by our profession is accurate on at least one point — architects adore black. Not just for clothes, though: Obsidian hues are often harnessed in their architecture, too, in order to summon a deep contrast with the both natural surroundings and light-filled interiors. Pitch black cladding also serves to diminish the materiality of a building, instead allowing a structure’s form and profile to make the maximum impact.
Many of the houses below are designed as silhouettes that need no backlight, popping against blue skies in daytime and allowing warm glows to emanate by night. In more wintry conditions (see Avanto Architects’ Four-cornered Villa in Vaskivesi, Finland), they providing an even greater contrast with the natural landscape. Ultimately, these projects inspire a sense of mystery, encouraging us to peak behind the midnight shades and experience the concealed spaces within. This is the architecture of the anti-color — and we love it.
360 Houseby Subarquitectura, Galapagar, Spain
Four-cornered Villaby Avanto Architects Ltd, Vaskivesi, Finland
Villa Abborrkroken i Överbyby John Robert Nilsson Arkitektkontor, Stockholm Archipelago
Stealth Barnby Carl Turner Architects, UK
Agudela Houseby Rui Cerqueira Barros,Matosinhos, Portugal
Matroyshkaby Buro Bill, Antwerp, Belgium
Bunker HousebyVaSLab, Lopburi, Thailand
Little Black DressbyX Architekten, Gunskirchen, Austria
Archipelago HousebyTham & Videgård Arkitekter, Stockholm Archipelago
Casa Spodsbjerg by Arkitema Architects, Rudkøbing, Denmark
Trish House YaldingbyMatthew Heywood Limited, Sevenoaks, UK
The Black HousebyAndres Remy Arquitecto, Buenos Aires
Casa MartinbyALT arquitectura, Valdetorres de Jarama, Spain
House O, Jun Igarashi Architects, Hokkaido, Japan
#0045 Chro-e #01byRats-architects, Kumamoto, Japan
For more examples of just why black is beautiful — particularly in residential architecture — check out “18 Dark Residential Products Bringing Sexy Back“.