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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

Project in-detail

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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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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