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Aroma-Focused Coffee House with Molded Plywood and Retractable Wind Turbine

Authors:
Nayla Arida, Shirine Sbaiti
Aroma-Focused Coffee House with Molded Plywood and Retractable Wind Turbine

Project in-detail

Molded plywood and a retractable wind turbine define a compact coffee house that emphasizes sensory engagement through aroma, creating an inviting space for coffee enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Molded plywood enhances the tactile experience within the compact structure.
02
A retractable wind turbine contributes to the project's energy self-sufficiency.
03
Aroma diffusing systems engage users' senses while they enjoy coffee.
04
Transparent solar panels allow natural light to illuminate the interior.
05
The layout encourages interaction through a resting bar and sales latch.

The Capsule presents an innovative take on the traditional coffee house, focusing on the important but often ignored sense of smell. It is designed to create an engaging environment centered on the coffee brewing experience. The project aims to enhance everyday life by highlighting sensory connections within a compact structure that embraces sustainability.

Sustainability

The design prioritizes eco-friendliness through the use of energy solutions. A retractable wind turbine and transparent solar panels are part of the structure, allowing it to generate its own energy. This reduces the environmental footprint while supporting the functional needs of a coffee house. The approach reflects a growing awareness of resource sustainability in modern design.

Materiality

The architectural style is characterized by simplicity, using materials that create both strength and visual appeal. Molded plywood features prominently, providing a warm and inviting touch to the space. The structural wood wireframe supports the overall design while offering flexibility in its form. Each material choice serves to enhance the user's experience and contributes to the aesthetic quality of the coffee house.

Sensory Engagement

A key aspect of the design is its emphasis on sensory experiences, particularly through the use of aromas. Features like a roasting machine and aroma diffusing systems are integrated to make the coffee experience more interactive. Aroma perforations increase the connection between users and the coffee, allowing them to engage with the product on a deeper level. The layout includes a resting bar and a sales latch, encouraging participation in the process of coffee-making.

Interior Experience

Inside The Capsule, a warm and inviting atmosphere encourages users to explore their surroundings. The space is designed to balance practical use with sensory exploration, enhancing the appreciation of aroma and taste. Natural light filters through the transparent solar panels, creating a bright interior that connects users to the outside world.

Attention to detail enriches the design, ensuring that the space supports both functionality and sensory stimulation. Users are drawn into an experience that highlights the beauty of coffee and its aromas.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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Competition organisers

The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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