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Lightweight Polycarbonate Facade Featuring Concealed Access in a Compact Urban Coffeehouse

Authors:
Connor Orlando, Rima Abousleiman
Lightweight Polycarbonate Facade Featuring Concealed Access in a Compact Urban Coffeehouse
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A compact coffeehouse with a lightweight polycarbonate facade and a concealed access door integrates seamlessly into urban spaces, prioritizing transparency and community interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Compact footprint of under 85 square feet enhances urban adaptability.
02
Service window design encourages direct community interaction.
03
Concealed door maintains a clean facade while allowing airflow.
04
Lightweight polycarbonate facade creates a glowing presence at night.
05
Oriented strand board surfaces provide a warm and tactile finish.

The Kremm Coffeehouse is a contemporary structure that focuses on fostering community interaction. Located in a varied urban environment, the coffeehouse has a compact footprint of just under 85 square feet. Its design aims to create a welcoming space for visitors while fitting into the city's existing landscape. The emphasis is on transparency and accessibility, making it easy for people to engage with the space.

Architectural Features

The design enhances the relationship between the building and its users. A large service window breaks the uniformity of the facade, allowing direct interaction between staff and customers. This window invites a sense of connection and offers a look into the inviting interior. A concealed door is also integrated into the facade, providing access and airflow while keeping the clean lines of the design intact.

Material Composition

Materials chosen for the coffeehouse contribute to its lightweight and modern appearance. The structure is supported by a white metal frame, which provides stability while enhancing its lightness. The surfaces are finished with oriented strand board, creating a warm and inviting feel that contrasts with the metal framework.

The building's exterior is wrapped in polycarbonate sheathing. This material unifies the facade and allows natural light to filter through. The semi-opaque quality creates a soft glow at night, inviting curiosity without exposing the interior.

Urban Identity

The Kremm Coffeehouse showcases a thoughtful approach to urban design. It serves as more than just a place to get coffee; it acts as a recognizable landmark within the community. The lightweight appearance and soft glow from the building highlight its role in enhancing the urban experience. Details like these show how careful design can create a space where people want to gather and connect.

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

`
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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