Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Grooved Glass Facade Integrated With Sustainable Water Harvesting in A Scandinavian Coffee Kiosk

Authors:
Axel Gerlero, Catalina Sonzini Astudillo, Paula de simone
Grooved Glass Facade Integrated With Sustainable Water Harvesting in A Scandinavian Coffee Kiosk

Project in-detail

The interplay of grooved glass and timber in a compact Scandinavian kiosk not only captures the essence of local coffee culture but also ingeniously incorporates a clean water harvesting system to enhance sustainability.
5 key facts about this project
01
The kiosk incorporates a clean water storage system that collects and reuses rain and snow, enhancing its sustainability.
02
A unique grooved glass facade provides natural light while maintaining privacy and visual connection with the urban environment.
03
The design features a roof that subtly mimics the shape of a coffee cup, reinforcing the connection to coffee culture.
04
Constructed using locally sourced timber, the structure emphasizes environmental responsibility and community integration.
05
Interior layouts are tailored to enhance user interaction between baristas and customers, fostering a communal coffee experience.
The "Memoir" coffee kiosk emerges as a fresh addition to urban architectural landscapes, designed for seamless integration into cities like Stockholm, Bergen, and Copenhagen. This project embodies the experience of coffee consumption through its architectural language and thoughtful design. Intended to serve as a space not only for serving coffee but also for fostering social interactions, the kiosk primarily represents the sensory dimensions of coffee drinking, translating these elements into a structure that invites users to engage with the ritual of enjoying coffee.

Functionally, the kiosk serves as a compact yet welcoming hub for coffee enthusiasts. Its design is tailored to create an environment where customers can appreciate the nuances of the coffee-making process. The interior layout promotes interaction between the barista and customers, enhancing the overall experience. The architecture prioritizes user comfort, featuring an accommodating design that encourages people to linger, engage, and appreciate their surroundings.

The design of the "Memoir" kiosk is characterized by simplicity and elegance. The structure is defined by clean lines and an understated silhouette that embraces modern architectural principles. A significant design feature is its roof, a subtle nod to the shape of a coffee cup, which casts shadows that echo the beverage's identity. This clever use of symbolism establishes a relationship between the architecture and its purpose, creating a cohesive narrative that resonates with visitors.

Materiality plays a vital role in the project, with grooved glass and wood prominently featured throughout the design. The grooved glass offers transparency, allowing natural light to filter into the space while providing a visual connection with the outside environment. The wooden elements add warmth and texture, bridging the gap between the interior and exterior while enhancing the sensory experience. Insulating panels within the walls ensure efficient temperature regulation, addressing both aesthetic and functional requirements in varying climatic conditions. The inclusion of ventilation grilles furthers user comfort by promoting adequate airflow within the kiosk.

One of the standout features of the "Memoir" kiosk is its sustainable approach to design. A clean water storage system is integrated into the structure, facilitating the collection and reuse of rain and snow. This feature supports the kiosk's operational needs while emphasizing the project's commitment to environmental stewardship. The design reflects a growing awareness of sustainability in architecture, showcasing how urban structures can balance functionality with ecological responsibility.

In terms of construction, the project is designed for efficiency and adaptability. The foundation serves as a base for the clean water storage, while the structural frame is assembled to support the roof. The final enclosure, composed of grooved glass and wooden paneling, ties the design together, resulting in a coherent and inviting space.

The "Memoir" coffee kiosk stands out not only for its architectural form but also for its cultural relevance. By adapting to different urban contexts, it pays homage to local traditions while offering a modern twist. The design encourages community interaction, making it a social focal point in its urban environment. This engagement fosters connections among individuals, transforming the act of coffee drinking into a communal experience rather than a solitary one.

The thoughtful integration of different architectural elements in this project results in a structure that speaks to both its functional purposes and its symbolic meanings. The kiosk exemplifies how architecture can enhance everyday experiences through design, creating environments that foster connection and promote sustainability. Those interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to review the architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas that detail the design’s intricacies and showcase its unique approach. Delving deeper will provide valuable insights into how this coffee kiosk enhances its urban setting and redefines what a simple coffee shop can be in today’s architectural landscape.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16544 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy