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Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Compact Coffee Hub

Authors:
Loretta Choi, Colin Mccarville
Charred Wooden Shingles and Natural Ventilation in a Compact Coffee Hub
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Utilizing charred wooden shingles and a sloped roof for passive ventilation, this compact hub serves as a modular coffee house designed for community engagement in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy relocation to various urban environments.
02
Charred wooden shingles provide fire resistance and enhance durability.
03
Natural ventilation is achieved through a strategically placed operable transom.
04
Compact footprint maximizes usable space while minimizing environmental impact.
05
Accessible counter ensures inclusivity for all patrons.

### Overview
Located in Northern Europe, the Little Dirt Hub (LDH) is a compact coffee house focused on sustainability and community engagement. Designed as a flexible structure, it addresses the challenges of urban density by offering a portable space that fosters social interaction and provides access to quality coffee. The structure’s adaptability allows it to be situated in a variety of contexts, catering to diverse community needs.

### Modular Design and Space Efficiency
The LDH's modular design facilitates quick assembly and relocation, promoting versatility across different environments, from urban centers to parks. With a footprint of 39 square feet and an additional 30 square feet of usable interior space, the architecture integrates essential operational components without sacrificing functionality. The layout includes designated brew stations and efficient water storage systems, with a focus on maximizing user experience in a limited area.

### Commitment to Sustainability
Material choices for the LDH reflect a dedication to local sourcing and environmental responsibility. The construction employs locally sourced wood for structural integrity, hardened plastic for durability, metal for countertops, and large glass windows to enhance natural light. These elements not only contribute to the building’s aesthetic but also reinforce its commitment to reducing the ecological footprint. Design features, such as natural ventilation and accessible counters, further emphasize functionality and inclusivity, making the space inviting for a broad range of users.

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

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100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
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Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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