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Gravity-Fed Coffee House Crafted from Shipping Containers with Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials

Authors:
Philip Faccenda, Tyler Marshall, Scott Miller
Gravity-Fed Coffee House Crafted from Shipping Containers with Charred Wooden Shingles and Recycled Materials
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Crafted from repurposed shipping containers and incorporating charred wooden shingles, the coffee house utilizes gravity-fed water systems to enhance its eco-friendly design while serving as a compact urban gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Crafted from repurposed shipping containers to promote sustainability.
02
Incorporates charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and aesthetic appeal.
03
Features a gravity-fed water system optimized for efficient coffee brewing.
04
The bent A-frame design uniquely combines modern aesthetics with functionality.
05
Customizable facade allows integration with diverse urban environments.

### Overview

The Big Tiny Coffee House project is designed as a sustainable coffee kiosk intended for urban environments, with initial installations planned for Copenhagen and Helsinki. The design seeks to blend contemporary aesthetics with historical architectural influences while prioritizing environmental sustainability through the use of recyclable materials. This modular coffee house concept reflects an evolving urban coffee culture and aims to provide efficient service in a compact form.

### Spatial Adaptability and Modular Design

The coffee house utilizes prefabricated modular shipping containers, selected for their structural robustness and flexibility. These elements facilitate both rapid construction and the potential for relocation, catering to a range of urban settings. Measuring 8 by 15 feet, the footprint of the kiosk can be easily modified to fit diverse public and private venues. The adaptable facade enhances integration with local architectural styles, allowing for a customized appearance that reflects the surrounding context.

### Material Selection and Resource Efficiency

Construction focuses on sustainable materials, with an emphasis on fully recycled components, reinforcing the project's commitment to environmental stewardship. Gravity-fed storage tanks are included for the efficient storage of spring water, which is essential for coffee preparation. Additionally, an innovative lighting system highlights the kiosk's angular silhouette while improving visibility at night. This thoughtful selection of materials and systems reflects an overarching goal of resource efficiency, aligning with broader principles of sustainable urban living.

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MICROHOME 2026
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The Next House: USA
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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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