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Cross-Bracing Design Meets Plexiglass Roofing in a Sustainable Café Structure

Author:
Paul Chiu
Cross-Bracing Design Meets Plexiglass Roofing in a Sustainable Café Structure

Project in-detail

Characterized by cross-bracing structural elements and a transparent plexiglass roofing system, the café integrates sustainable design with efficient public accessibility to create an inviting space for coffee enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Features cross-bracing elements that enhance structural stability and visual appeal.
02
Utilizes transparent plexiglass roofing for optimal natural lighting and climate control.
03
Incorporates recycled materials in outdoor furniture to promote environmental responsibility.
04
Integrates an off-grid power system for sustainable energy usage.
05
Design layout allows for efficient work flow between public and private spaces.

### Overview
Located along a scenic roadside, the KREM café structure is designed to facilitate public engagement while prioritizing the operational needs of baristas. The project adopts a kiosk-style format that emphasizes accessibility and interaction, eschewing traditional layouts for a fluid geometric approach. Named "KREM," a reference to both the kiosk and the cream of coffee, the design reflects its primary function as a coffee station.

### Architectural Strategy
**Spatial Organization**: The layout is carefully structured to distinguish between public and private zones, ensuring operational efficiency and enhancing customer interaction. The barista station is equipped with dedicated areas for grinding, brewing, and serving coffee, which facilitates a streamlined workflow. Multiple access points, including a separate employee entrance, help manage the flow of customers and staff alike, creating an inviting atmosphere that encourages social interaction.

**Material Choice**: The material palette is selected for both durability and aesthetic appeal. Key elements include weather-resistant metal panels, warm wood surfaces for counters, and plexiglass roofing that maximizes natural light while offering protection from the elements. The use of sustainable insulation materials ensures thermal comfort, and energy-efficient LED lighting enhances the café's ambiance, contributing to an overall inviting experience.

### Sustainability and Flexibility
**Sustainable Practices**: The design features off-grid capabilities, with an integrated power generator that allows for independent operation. Outdoor seating furnished with recycled materials promotes community interaction and reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship.

**Modular Design**: The modular nature of the structure allows for adaptability in layout and use, accommodating various service demands—from basic coffee sales to hosting larger events. This flexibility is further emphasized by innovative structural solutions, such as cross-bracing elements that enhance both stability and visual interest, as well as signage that harmonizes with architectural language, reinforcing brand presence.

The KREM café embodies contemporary design principles, focusing on functionality, sustainability, and user experience within an approachable environment.

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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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