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Elevated Coffee House Crafted from Charred Birch and Inspired by Traditional Gohta Tents

Authors:
Dimitrios Sifakis, Alexandra Comanita
Elevated Coffee House Crafted from Charred Birch and Inspired by Traditional Gohta Tents

Project in-detail

Elevated on wheels and constructed from charred birch, the design draws inspiration from traditional goahti tents, creating a compact and functional coffee house that bridges cultural heritage with modern urban needs.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design allows for improved insulation and flexibility in urban settings.
02
Constructed entirely from locally sourced charred birch for durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Inspired by traditional goahti tents, blending cultural heritage with modern function.
04
Compact layout enhances workflow for baristas in a small footprint.
05
Mobile structure facilitates easy relocation without compromising functionality.

The Coffee Teltta is a contemporary coffee house inspired by the traditional goahti tent of the Sami people from northern Fennoscandinavia. Set in an urban environment, the design focuses on creating a space for coffee enthusiasts while honoring its cultural heritage. Emphasizing both mobility and practicality, the structure aims to meet modern needs while engaging with its surroundings.

Design Concept
The design centers around blending traditional elements with current requirements. The Coffee Teltta is elevated above the ground, which enhances insulation and allows for easy relocation. This mobility is a key feature, allowing the structure to adapt to various urban contexts. The design promotes flexibility, making it suitable for different spaces as needed.

Materials and Aesthetic
Charred birch is the main material used in the Coffee Teltta's exterior. This choice adds durability and a unique texture to the building. The shape of the structure provides visual interest, encouraging people to engage with it. The material and form work together to create a cohesive look that fits well within its city setting.

Internal Environment
Inside, the space is designed to be welcoming and functional. Light timber colors create a warm atmosphere that invites social interactions. The layout is organized to support the work of baristas, allowing them to serve customers effectively. Every element inside contributes to an overall sense of comfort and ease.

Aesthetic Appeal
Attention to detail is clear in the project. The design considers both practical and cultural aspects, resulting in a place that feels connected to its roots. The charred wood exterior interacts with sunlight throughout the day, offering changing visual experiences that enhance the atmosphere for everyone inside the Coffee Teltta.

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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

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competition now

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