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Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Compact Urban Café

Authors:
Stamatia Tsatsi, Miltos Kalogeris
Charred Wooden Shingles and Cross-Laminated Timber Form a Compact Urban Café

Project in-detail

Constructed with charred wooden shingles and cross-laminated timber, this compact structure serves as a multifunctional café that seamlessly integrates into its urban environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a bent A-frame design for enhanced structural integrity.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for improved weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features cross-laminated timber panels that reduce construction time and enhance sustainability.
04
Designed as a modular unit that can be easily relocated to different urban settings.
05
Equipped with rainwater harvesting systems to support eco-friendly operations.
The Big Tiny Kaffe hus is an architectural design project that embodies Scandinavian coffee culture while addressing the demands of modern urban environments. This compact structure integrates functionality, sustainability, and aesthetics, serving primarily as a coffee shop but also as a communal space for social interaction. The design emphasizes modularity, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, making it well-suited for various urban contexts.

The overall layout of the Kaffe hus is meticulously planned to maximize both customer experience and operational efficiency. The interior is organized to facilitate smooth workflows for staff, with dedicated areas for coffee preparation and customer service. The spatial arrangement creates an inviting atmosphere that fosters social interaction, essential to the coffee culture it represents.

Materials play a crucial role in the design of the Kaffe hus. The structure is predominantly composed of wood, which provides both aesthetic warmth and environmental benefits. Timber beams of different sizes are utilized for structural integrity, while metal components enhance durability. The incorporation of photovoltaic solar panels illustrates a commitment to sustainability, contributing to energy efficiency and rainwater harvesting features.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes the Kaffe hus from conventional coffee shop designs is its modular nature and adaptability to varied urban settings. The architectural form features a dynamic roofline, designed to collect rainwater and support solar panels. This responsive design not only addresses functional requirements but also reflects a conscious effort to harmonize with its environment.

The slatted wood paneling on the exterior serves both as an aesthetic choice and a practical element, providing shade and promoting air circulation, enhancing the overall customer experience. The interplay between light wood and darker elements within the interior reinforces the Scandinavian design ethos, focusing on simplicity and comfort.

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of the Kaffe hus, evident in its energy-efficient systems and material choices. This project serves as a model for future sustainable architectural endeavors, demonstrating how design can seamlessly integrate with community needs and environmental considerations.

To gain deeper insights into the architectural plans, sections, and overall design concept of the Kaffe hus, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. Understanding the architectural ideas behind this project highlights its innovative approach to modern urban design.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

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

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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