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Living Walls and Recycled Wood Define a Portable Community Space

Authors:
Antigoni Ntavou, Georgia Ntoukaki
Living Walls and Recycled Wood Define a Portable Community Space

Project in-detail

Constructed with living walls and utilizing recycled wood, this transportable coffee house fosters community engagement while seamlessly integrating into its surroundings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed using living walls that enhance environmental integration.
02
Utilizes recycled wood for structural elements, emphasizing sustainability.
03
Features a bent A-frame design to optimize space and aesthetics.
04
Incorporates heating panels for user comfort in various settings.
05
Transportable, allowing flexibility in location and community engagement.
The Fika Transportable Coffee House exemplifies contemporary architectural design focused on mobility, sustainability, and community interaction. This project reinterprets the coffee shop experience, facilitating social engagement in a variety of urban and natural settings through a movable structure. Envisioned as a multifunctional space, the design creates a welcoming environment for consumers while promoting the cultural practice of "fika," a Swedish tradition centered on taking a break to enjoy coffee and pastries with others.

The dimensions of the structure are compact, measuring approximately 24 square meters, with a height of 4.5 meters. The architecture incorporates a gabled roof and large glass paneling, ensuring ample natural light and visual continuity between the interior and the exterior. This approach supports an open and inviting experience for users and connects the coffee house with its surroundings.

The primary materials employed include recycled wood and various forms of cork, such as black cork for shock absorption and white cork for insulation. The use of these materials not only highlights sustainability but also reinforces durability, contributing to a low environmental impact. Features such as heating floor panels enhance user comfort and functionality, making the space practical for daily operations.

The adaptable nature of the Fika Coffee House is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. It can be easily transported to different locations, responding flexibly to the needs of various communities. This mobility allows it to engage different demographics and provides opportunities for cultural exchange in diverse environments. Moreover, the design showcases a minimalist aesthetic, emphasizing an ergonomic layout that accommodates up to five seated customers, as well as workspace for baristas—all within a compact footprint.

Another unique aspect of this project is the integration of living walls and flexible panels, which enhance the user experience by allowing for physical expansion and interaction between the interior and exterior. This dynamic feature promotes fluid movement within the space and a heightened sense of community among patrons. The inclusion of amenities such as a small bathroom and storage for clean and grey water tanks reflects a comprehensive approach to design that prioritizes functionality.

The Fika Transportable Coffee House ultimately represents a thoughtful convergence of architecture, sustainability, and community-oriented design. As an innovative take on traditional coffee shop models, it encourages social interaction and reflects contemporary cultural practices. Readers interested in exploring this project further are encouraged to review the architectural plans, sections, and designs for deeper insights into the unique architectural ideas that define the Fika Coffee House.
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MICROHOME
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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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