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Foldable Structure of Untreated Wood and Vibrant Textiles in a Mobile Urban Coffee House

Authors:
Hilla Havkin ofer, Hristiyana Vassileva, Peter Ausems
Foldable Structure of Untreated Wood and Vibrant Textiles in a Mobile Urban Coffee House

Project in-detail

A foldable structure crafted from untreated wood and adorned with vibrant textiles creates a dynamic mobile coffee house, seamlessly blending functionality with community engagement in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed with a foldable design that allows adaptability to various urban contexts.
02
Utilizes untreated wood to enhance sustainability and create a natural aesthetic.
03
Incorporates vibrant textile patterns inspired by traditional Finnish designs.
04
Features large openings that facilitate interaction between barista and customers.
05
Designed to optimize space for both coffee preparation and social engagement.
The architectural design project involves a mobile coffee house tailored for urban environments, specifically addressing the climate and cultural context of Finland. The design emphasizes the principles of Scandinavian architecture, which prioritize functionality, aesthetic simplicity, and environmental harmony. By integrating these principles, the project creates an inviting space for community interaction while remaining adaptable to various urban settings.

The mobile coffee house serves as a refuge in fast-paced urban environments, ensuring accessibility to coffee and social interaction. It features a foldable structure, enabling it to expand or collapse based on context and use. This versatile design provides an effective solution for the diverse needs of urban spaces, making it suitable for both high-traffic areas and tranquil park settings.

Innovative Architectural Features

The project deploys untreated wood as the primary material, which not only creates a warm aesthetic but also promotes sustainability. This choice of material aligns with the project's overall design philosophy, emphasizing natural elements and tactile experiences. The exterior of the coffee house showcases vibrant fabrics that enhance visual appeal, drawing inspiration from traditional Finnish textile patterns. This integration of color and texture helps to animate the structure, contrasting the often subdued tones of cold climates.

The design includes large openings that connect the barista’s workstation to the outdoor environment, encouraging interaction and engagement between the staff and customers. The workspace is optimized for functionality, allowing efficient coffee preparation and customer service while promoting a seamless flow of movement. In addition, the base of the structure incorporates metal elements to ensure stability and durability against environmental factors.

Efficient Space Utilization

The foldable construction provides unique advantages in urban settings, allowing the coffee house to occupy minimal space when collapsed, while offering ample room for social interaction when expanded. This flexibility enables the coffee house to participate in various community events, serve different customer segments, and respond dynamically to changing urban conditions.

The design promotes social engagement by creating an inviting atmosphere for informal gatherings, whether for a brief coffee break or a longer working session. The arrangement of the interior encourages interaction among visitors, fostering a sense of community and belonging.

For further insight into the architectural plans, sections, designs, and ideas that underpin this project, readers are encouraged to explore the comprehensive project presentation. This documentation provides an in-depth view of the design's technical aspects and innovative approaches, showcasing the effective blend of functionality and aesthetic sensitivity inherent in this mobile coffee house design.
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100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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