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Inflatable Fabric Structure Creating Flexible Social Spaces in Urban Environments

Authors:
Sasa Ritonja, Ivana Gavranovic, Hana Vasatko
Inflatable Fabric Structure Creating Flexible Social Spaces in Urban Environments

Project in-detail

Utilizing innovative inflatable fabrics and modular design, this urban coffee house offers a flexible social space that adapts to various community settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes high-performance inflatable fabrics for quick assembly and disassembly.
02
Design incorporates integrated LED lighting for enhanced visibility and ambiance at night.
03
Adaptive modular structure allows for installation in diverse urban environments.
04
Features environmentally-friendly materials that reduce overall carbon footprint.
05
Serves as a versatile social space, supporting community events and interactions.
The Tiny Inflatable Coffee House is an innovative architectural project that redefines traditional café design through the use of inflatable structures. This project emphasizes adaptability and mobility, allowing the coffee house to be easily transported and assembled in various urban settings. With a unique form reminiscent of a coffee bean, the design not only serves a functional purpose but also creates an inviting atmosphere for patrons.

This coffee house's primary function is to serve as a social gathering space that enhances local café culture, encouraging community interaction. The ability to set up the structure quickly in different locations makes it an ideal solution for pop-up events, festivals, or urban markets. This flexibility aligns with contemporary architectural trends that prioritize sustainable and responsive design.

The project stands out due to its use of high-tech materials such as SEFAR Architecture and TENARA Fabric. These materials provide durability and a lightweight structure that is easy to inflate and deflate. The inflatable membrane, combined with structural elements like Euro pallets and OSB boards, creates a stable frame while allowing for an overall lightweight design. The internal layout efficiently accommodates essential café facilities, including a coffee machine, grinder, storage, and a washing station, ensuring functionality within a compact footprint.

Another significant aspect of the design is the integration of LED lighting within the inflatable skin. This feature enhances the aesthetics of the coffee house during nighttime, offering an engaging visual experience that complements its urban environment. The modular design allows the coffee house to easily adapt to different public spaces, encouraging social engagement among patrons who frequent the area.

The Tiny Inflatable Coffee House represents a shift in architectural thinking by prioritizing temporal and spatial flexibility. This project showcases how inflatable architecture can fulfill practical needs while fostering social interactions within urban landscapes. For a closer examination of its features, including architectural plans, sections, and design elements, readers are encouraged to explore the project presentation for further details.
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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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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