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Biodegradable Clay Cups in a Flexible Gathering Space Designed for Urban Community Interaction

Authors:
Vsevolod Yurchenko, Pamela Feng, Anthea Karakoullis
Biodegradable Clay Cups in a Flexible Gathering Space Designed for Urban Community Interaction
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Employing biodegradable clay cups and adaptable modular spaces, the design facilitates community engagement while addressing sustainability in an urban coffee consumption context.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes biodegradable clay cups to reduce waste in coffee consumption.
02
Features adaptable modular spaces that can reconfigure based on user traffic.
03
Incorporates biophilic design elements through integrated plant life.
04
Employs lightweight metal hollow rods for structural support and resilience.
05
Integrates renewable energy through photovoltaic solar panels for sustainability.

The architectural project titled "The Cup" presents a solution to environmental challenges posed by single-use coffee cups. Located in an urban environment, the design underscores the importance of sustainability while promoting community interaction. "The Cup" reimagines a traditional coffee shop experience, substituting disposable items with reusable, biodegradable materials.

The structure features a modular design that adapts to the number of users, creating a dynamic spatial arrangement conducive to social engagement. By facilitating a shared experience, the architectural design encourages users to rethink their consumption habits and fosters a sense of community around sustainable practices.

Unique Aspects of Design
The adaptability of "The Cup" is a defining characteristic, allowing the space to expand or contract depending on user demand. This flexibility is showcased through a series of movable partitions and adaptable seating arrangements that can be reconfigured as needed. Additionally, the use of clay cups, which are biodegradable and glazed for hygiene, ensures that the project aligns with its sustainability goals.

The design also includes a game-like experience for users, encouraging exploration within the space. The integration of plants not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the environment but also contributes to air quality and user comfort. The employment of renewable energy sources, such as photovoltaic solar panels, further strengthens the project's commitment to sustainability and reduces its carbon footprint.

Functional and Structural Components
"The Cup" integrates various materials to achieve its architectural vision. Key materials include clay for the cups, wood for structural and decorative use, and painted MDF for furniture elements. Metal hollow rods offer lightweight structural support, ensuring durability while maintaining a refined aesthetic.

The project emphasizes community interaction through its layout, which prioritizes open spaces for mingling and socializing. Barista stations are designed to foster dialogue between staff and customers, transforming the coffee purchase into a more engaging experience. The adaptable design effectively accommodates different group sizes and activities, making "The Cup" suitable for various contexts within the urban landscape.

To gain deeper insights into "The Cup," including detailed architectural plans, sections, and design concepts, readers are encouraged to explore the project's official presentation. The various architectural ideas illustrated within the presentation serve to expand understanding of its innovative approach to merging sustainability with community-focused design.

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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.

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Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

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