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Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Responsive Café Structure In Urban Spaces

Authors:
Zi jin Wong, Tsz ying victoria Tong
Charred Wooden Shingles Enveloping A Responsive Café Structure In Urban Spaces

Project in-detail

The integration of charred wooden shingles and a flexible roof structure creates a visually distinctive café that prioritizes social interaction within urban environments.
5 key facts about this project
01
The design incorporates a prominent chimney that visually represents the café's coffee culture.
02
Flexible roof panels allow for climate-responsive adjustments.
03
A community-focused layout facilitates varied seating configurations for social interaction.
04
Constructed with charred wooden shingles, enhancing durability and reducing maintenance.
05
The integration of glass elements maximizes natural light while connecting interior and exterior spaces.
The Fika Chimney project embodies a contemporary architectural exploration focused on fostering social interaction within urban environments. Designed as a multifunctional café, it embraces the Swedish concept of "fika," which emphasizes the cultural importance of coffee breaks as moments of relaxation and connection. The architectural form integrates practical usage with a distinctive visual identity, marked primarily by its prominent chimney that acts both as a functional and symbolic element.

The project serves as a gathering space aimed at enhancing community dynamics. It facilitates social interactions and offers flexibility in its layout, allowing it to adapt to various user needs. This adaptability is key to its design, making it suitable for diverse urban contexts.

Innovative Adaptability and Community Engagement

What distinguishes the Fika Chimney from other café designs is its emphasis on adaptability. The architectural structure incorporates features that allow for versatile configurations. The design includes a flexible roof system that can change according to weather conditions, providing shelter or openness as needed. This responsive design approach enhances usability throughout different seasons.

Another notable element is the café's layout, which promotes group interactions. Seating arrangements are strategically designed to facilitate conversation, reinforcing the cultural essence of fika. This focus on social engagement contributes to the project’s identity as a communal hub rather than just a café.

Structural Considerations and Material Choices

The Fika Chimney employs a selection of materials that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The primary frame is constructed from timber, providing warmth and inviting users into the space. Glass panels are positioned within the roof design, allowing natural light to permeate the interior while establishing a connection between the café and its surrounding urban environment. Additional materials include waterproof membranes to protect the structural components from elements and steel elements for added stability and durability.

Further enhancing the design, prefabricated timber beams facilitate efficient assembly while maintaining quality control during construction. Lighting fixtures are thoughtfully integrated to ensure the venue remains vibrant regardless of the time of day, contributing to the overall ambiance.

The exploration of these architectural details and material selections within the Fika Chimney project showcases a purposeful approach to urban café design. Interested readers are encouraged to delve into the architectural plans, sections, and designs to gain a comprehensive understanding of the project's intricacies and innovative ideas.
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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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