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Curved Polycarbonate Structure Enhancing Urban Coffee Experience

Authors:
Anthony Hans Widjaja, Florencia Wibisono, Marcello Giuberto, Gerda Callista
Curved Polycarbonate Structure Enhancing Urban Coffee Experience
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A curved polycarbonate structure enhances the urban landscape while providing an inviting coffee house experience that fosters interaction and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
A curved façade guides pedestrian flow, enhancing visibility and interaction.
02
Polycarbonate panels create a luminous interior while maintaining energy efficiency.
03
Strategic ceiling height variations improve functionality and user navigation.
04
Tilted roof design facilitates effective rainwater drainage and sustainability.
05
The open barista area transforms coffee preparation into an engaging visual experience.

The design features a coffee house situated within an urban setting, aimed at enhancing the experience of coffee drinking. Built around the concept of a drop of coffee, the building presents a form that invites exploration and interaction. With its inviting atmosphere, the coffee house encourages engagement from passers-by, making it a central point of interest.

Conceptual Design

The facade has a smooth, curved surface that guides visitors toward the entrance. This design creates a natural flow for foot traffic and invites curiosity. The opening serves as a stage for interaction between the barista and customers, allowing the coffee preparation area to be visible. By highlighting the process of making coffee, the design offers an engaging experience that goes beyond simple consumption.

Spatial Layout

Varying ceiling heights play a significant role in the functionality of the space. The lowest part of the ceiling hangs above the coffee machine, providing an efficient working area for the barista. Higher sections of the ceiling help customers navigate the space, making it easier for them to find their way to the ordering area. This arrangement prioritizes practicality while maintaining an appealing look.

Material Characteristics

Polycarbonate serves as the primary material for the building. Its translucent quality lets in plenty of natural light, creating a bright interior during the day. The lightweight nature of polycarbonate simplifies transport and assembly, making construction easier. Furthermore, it acts as an effective barrier against outdoor temperatures, contributing to a comfortable atmosphere inside.

Environmental Considerations

The design also features strategies for sustainability, including a tilted roof that assists with rainwater drainage. This helps manage water effectively and ensures the building’s durability. The lighting design incorporates both natural and artificial light sources, providing a warm atmosphere during the evening and inviting visitors to linger.

The building's unique curvature is more than just an aesthetic choice; it also helps define the coffee house within its urban environment. By drawing the attention of those passing by, it creates opportunities for connection and exploration, illuminated by the soft glow of the interior lights at dusk.

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Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
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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

Open architecture competitions

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    Selected winning projects have the potential to be constructed
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    Experimental competitions with the focus on pushing the boundaries of creativity
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Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 18 September 2025

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