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Living Wall Integration with Recycled Materials in a Mobile Café Structure

Authors:
Jessica Tseng, Cesar Juarez
Living Wall Integration with Recycled Materials in a Mobile Café Structure

Project in-detail

With its innovative living wall and mobile structure, this café seamlessly integrates sustainable materials and urban agriculture to create a community-centric gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
The café features a living wall that incorporates customizable herb planters for direct consumer interaction with fresh ingredients.
02
A water recycling system supports the irrigation of the living wall, enhancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
03
The structure’s mobility allows it to adapt its location, fostering social connections in diverse urban neighborhoods.
04
The design utilizes cross-laminated timber for quick assembly and structural integrity while maintaining an eco-friendly profile.
05
The café's layout supports multifunctional uses, transforming from a casual coffee spot to a venue for community events and gatherings.
The project at hand is a mobile café designed to serve as a vibrant community space, integrating architectural innovation with environmental consideration. This café, known as "Moving Grounds," embodies a unique approach to contemporary architecture by emphasizing adaptability and social interaction in urban settings. Uniquely conceived to foster connections among patrons, "Moving Grounds" does not merely stand as a structure but rather functions as a dynamic hub for community engagement.

At its core, "Moving Grounds" represents a reimagining of how café spaces can exist beyond fixed locations. This project serves the dual purpose of providing a welcoming environment for coffee enthusiasts while simultaneously responding to the changing dynamics of urban life. Its mobility allows it to traverse various neighborhoods, ultimately engaging with diverse communities and encouraging socialization wherever it goes. The integration of a living wall adds to the project’s ecological approach, supporting biodiversity within urban landscapes and giving patrons the opportunity to connect with nature.

Significant architectural elements include the café's compact yet functional design. Inside, the layout is strategically arranged to facilitate an efficient flow of movement, incorporating key features such as multiple espresso machines and adaptable seating arrangements. This thoughtful organization ensures that the baristas can serve customers swiftly, while the patrons enjoy their experience in a relaxed atmosphere. The café’s exterior, complemented by large glazing panels, promotes an open environment, allowing natural light to flood the interior and enhancing visual connections with the surrounding context.

One of the project’s major highlights is the living wall, which serves as both a visual statement and a practical asset. This green installation not only beautifies the café but also emphasizes sustainability through the incorporation of a water recycling system for irrigation. It actively participates in the café’s operations by providing fresh herbs for culinary use, allowing patrons to engage with their food and drink in a meaningful way. This fosters a sense of community ownership and connection to the café's offerings, creating a narrative around sustainability and local sourcing.

The use of materials throughout the project reflects a commitment to durability and ecological responsibility. Timber features prominently in the café's interior and furniture, enhancing warmth and a sense of comfort, while steel is utilized for its structural integrity. The careful selection of glazing facilitates both aesthetic appeal and practical function, ensuring that the café remains an inviting space year-round.

The overall design ethos of "Moving Grounds" emphasizes versatility. The café is not solely a place for consuming coffee; it is designed to host various events ranging from local art displays to community meetings, effectively serving diverse functions depending on the needs of the community it temporarily inhabits. This flexibility is important in supporting a sense of belonging and collaboration among various groups.

The unique approach employed in this architectural project lies in its emphasis on mobility and engagement. The café’s ability to move throughout urban areas, rotating its location and purpose, invites interaction and promotes communal experiences. This adaptive strategy highlights an understanding of modern urban lifestyles, wherein traditional notions of space and place are constantly being redefined.

Encouragement to engage with this project further is warranted, as exploring the architectural plans and sections reveals the depth of thought and intention behind the design. Considering the architectural ideas that underpin "Moving Grounds" provides valuable insights into how functional design can enhance community interaction while adhering to sustainable practices. For those interested in a closer examination of the architectural elements, plans, and detailed design features, reviewing the project presentation is highly recommended for a thorough appreciation of this innovative endeavor.
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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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