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Inclined Aluminium Ramp with Wooden Seating Creating Urban Gathering Space

Author:
Sagarika Sengupta
Inclined Aluminium Ramp with Wooden Seating Creating Urban Gathering Space

Project in-detail

An overhead aluminium ramp interwoven with wooden seating transforms a pedestrian space into a communal hub for coffee enthusiasts while integrating seamlessly into the urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Overhead ramp provides direct access for both pedestrians and cyclists.
02
Inclined wall doubles as seating, enhancing social interaction.
03
Constructed with modular aluminium bars for flexible assembly.
04
Natural wood finishes create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
05
Design integrates seamlessly with the surrounding urban fabric.

### Overview
Located within an urban environment, Cafe North serves as a contemporary coffee kiosk that integrates functionality with an emphasis on community interaction. Designed to reflect the historical significance of coffee culture in Scandinavian regions, the kiosk not only provides refreshments but also generates a space that invites social engagement and interaction among users. The architectural intent is to enhance the urban landscape while adhering to sustainable design principles.

### Spatial Strategy
Central to Cafe North’s design is an overhead ramp, which facilitates access for pedestrians and cyclists, thus encouraging mobility. This element not only supports accessibility but also fosters a dynamic user experience by inviting people to engage with the structure and each other. In addition to the ramp, an inclined wall doubles as seating, reinforcing opportunities for socialization and impromptu gatherings, aligning with the objectives of community-oriented design.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The structural framework utilizes aluminum bars, which allow for modular disassembly and adaptability to changing urban contexts, making it a durable choice for sustainability. Complementing this, wooden panels form the roof and walls, providing aesthetic warmth and enhancing thermal insulation for user comfort. The careful juxtaposition of aluminum and wood reflects a commitment to both modern design principles and environmental consciousness, resulting in a cohesive structure that resonates with its surroundings.

With these distinct material choices, the design prioritizes functionality while promoting environmental responsibility. The spatial arrangement and materiality work in unison to create an engaging environment that encourages user interaction and fosters community connectivity.

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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

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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