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Coffee Cup-Shaped Structure Embracing Natural Light and Accessibility Near a Volcano

Authors:
Anna Osadcha, Anna Nenko
Coffee Cup-Shaped Structure Embracing Natural Light and Accessibility Near a Volcano

Project in-detail

Inspired by the silhouette of a coffee cup, the design maximizes natural light and accessibility while offering panoramic views of the adjacent volcano, serving as a welcoming cafe for visitors.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by a coffee cup silhouette to connect function and form.
02
Features a gently sloped ramp for accessibility and exhibition space.
03
Maximizes natural light to enhance visitor experience and reduce energy use.
04
Includes a public exhibition area focused on the volcano's history.
05
Strategically located to provide panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

The coffee shop located near a volcano is designed to enhance the visitor experience by connecting with the surrounding landscape. It focuses on the impressive views of the volcano, which is a key part of attracting guests. The shape of the building is inspired by a paper coffee cup, providing a clear link to its purpose while maintaining a visual connection to the conical form of the volcano.

Design Concept

The form of the building responds directly to its geographical context, creating a dialogue between the structure and its environment. This design choice promotes easy recognition among visitors. The approach brings together utility and aesthetic appeal, providing guests with a warm and inviting place to enjoy coffee while appreciating the natural beauty around them.

Spatial Configuration

Inside, the layout allows for free movement from the information area to the coffee shop and eventually to the exhibition space through a sloped ramp. This design prioritizes accessibility, ensuring that everyone, including those with special needs, can navigate the space comfortably. The open layout encourages interactions, inviting visitors to take their coffee and explore the exhibitions that share stories about the volcano's history.

Lighting and Materiality

Natural light is an important feature in the design. The building is arranged to capture daylight, which reduces the need for artificial lighting. Bright interiors contribute to a welcoming atmosphere for relaxation and engagement with displays. While the specifics of materials are not mentioned in the presentation, the choice of light colors within the space reflects daylight and enhances the overall brightness, creating a pleasant environment.

Functional Integration

The design includes essential support spaces, addressing operational needs without interfering with the visitor experience. Staff facilities, such as an office and break room, as well as restrooms with showers, are conveniently placed for easy access. This arrangement helps maintain smooth operations for deliveries and maintenance, contributing to the overall efficiency of the coffee shop.

Light pours in through large windows, framing stunning views of the volcano and enhancing the connection between the cafe's environment and its natural surroundings.

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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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