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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Define a Scenic Café in Volcanic Landscape

Authors:
Anna Osadcha, Anna Nenko
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Light Define a Scenic Café in Volcanic Landscape

Project in-detail

Charred wooden shingles envelop a café designed to enhance natural light and provide panoramic views of the surrounding volcanic landscape, serving as both a gathering place and an educational space about the area's geological features.
5 key facts about this project
01
Charred wooden shingles enhance durability while blending with the volcanic landscape.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels improve structural efficiency and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design allows for optimal natural light and panoramic views.
04
An accessible ramp connects multiple levels, promoting inclusivity in design.
05
Exhibition spaces educate visitors on local geology and environmental awareness.

The "Coffee Cup" architectural project is a contemporary coffee shop designed with a focus on blending functionality with the surrounding volcanic landscape. This project serves multiple essential functions, including providing a comfortable space for patrons to enjoy coffee and learn about the geological features nearby. The architecture reflects its conceptual origins of a coffee cup and the natural formations surrounding it, creating an engaging and cohesive environment.

The project’s layout comprises three distinct levels. The ground level serves as the main coffee shop area, featuring seating and service zones, along with support facilities such as a kitchen and restroom. This level is designed for efficient customer flow, facilitating seamless interactions. The second level incorporates an exhibition space dedicated to volcanic education, with additional café seating, promoting social engagement without sacrificing comfort. The upper level expands the exhibition concept, integrating an accessible ramp to ensure inclusivity and continuity throughout the structure.

Unique Design Approaches

The architectural design stands out due to its innovative representation of a coffee cup silhouette, which is both an aesthetic and functional choice. This representation engages visitors, connecting them emotionally to the experience of enjoying coffee in a scenic location. The selection of materials plays a crucial role in achieving balance with the natural environment.

The use of wood shingles for the roof harmonizes with the volcanic landscape, reflecting a commitment to sustainability and environmental integration. Large glass windows and skylights are strategically incorporated to maximize natural light, thereby reducing dependency on artificial lighting and enhancing the visual connection between interior spaces and the outdoor volcanic scenery.

Sustainability is a core element of this project's architecture. It employs eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient systems, promoting environmental awareness while creating a comfortable visitor experience. The design prioritizes an open and inviting atmosphere, which is particularly notable in how the different levels of the café encourage exploration and interaction.

Architectural Plans and Sections

To fully appreciate the design and functionality of the "Coffee Cup" project, it is beneficial to review the architectural plans and sections. These detailed insights reveal the thoughtful spatial organization, material selection, and how each element contributes to the intended user experience. Understanding these architectural aspects provides a deeper comprehension of how the space serves its purpose while promoting a dialogue between architecture and the natural landscape.

Exploring these architectural designs will enhance your understanding of the project and its ideas. Delve into the specifics for a comprehensive grasp of how this café integrates with its environment and provides a unique customer experience.

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

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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.

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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