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Colorful Light and Community Engagement in a Nordic Coffee Wall

Authors:
Lei Bao, Yiren Mao
Colorful Light and Community Engagement in a Nordic Coffee Wall

Project in-detail

With its vibrant lighting and open service layout, the Nordic coffee wall fosters community interaction and relaxation, creating a unique space for social engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Colorful lighting complements the coffee wall, enhancing the user experience.
02
The open service area invites participation in the coffee preparation process.
03
Various seating arrangements support both individual and group interactions.
04
The design responds to Nordic climatic challenges, prioritizing light and warmth.
05
Social engagement is central to the layout, fostering community connections.

The coffee wall concept is located in Nordic countries, where it emphasizes the connection between light and social interaction. The design is focused on creating a space that balances comfort with engagement, reflecting the region's values of simplicity and functionality. By highlighting the interplay between light and space, the environment encourages relaxation while facilitating communal experiences.

Light as a Design Element

Light is a central feature that shapes the overall atmosphere of the space. Colorful lighting enhances the ambiance, creating an inviting setting for both relaxation and interaction. The careful placement of light sources influences how the area is perceived, making it a versatile environment for users seeking both solitude and social connection.

Seating and Layout

The layout is designed with a variety of seating options to support different types of gatherings. The arrangement allows flexibility, catering to users who may prefer quiet moments or engaging discussions. This thoughtfulness in design facilitates movement throughout the area, contributing to a lively and welcoming environment that encourages interaction.

Functional Aspects of Service

An essential part of the concept is the coffee-making area, which exemplifies efficiency in service delivery. This space invites users to take part in the coffee preparation process, enhancing the sense of community within the space. The open nature of the service area promotes interaction between providers and customers, creating an inclusive atmosphere.

Regional Significance

The Nordic setting plays a crucial role in the design narrative. The emphasis on light responds to the specific climatic conditions of the region, especially during longer periods of darkness. This awareness informs the design choices, ensuring a practical and comfortable experience for users while linking the interior space to the surrounding landscape.

The design features vibrant lighting that illuminates the coffee wall, drawing attention to both communal spaces and quieter nooks. Each element is carefully considered to enhance the overall experience, creating a space that brings people together through the simple act of enjoying coffee.

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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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