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Modular Café Crafted from Recycled Foam Insulation and Polystyrene Roofing Panels

Authors:
Vicky Mo, Erin Mclevey, Qian Dong, Chris Blackadder
Modular Café Crafted from Recycled Foam Insulation and Polystyrene Roofing Panels

Project in-detail

Constructed with modular components that utilize recycled foam insulation and polystyrene roofing, this café fosters community engagement through its adaptable design while delivering high-quality gelato and coffee in a sustainable environment.
5 key facts about this project
01
Modular design allows for easy transport and assembly in various urban settings.
02
Constructed with recycled foam insulation for enhanced sustainability.
03
Large glass windows maximize natural light while maintaining energy efficiency.
04
Adaptable social spaces promote community interaction beyond typical café use.
05
Polystyrene roofing provides thermal efficiency suited for cold climates.

### Overview and Conceptual Framework

Kremm Café & Gelato Bar is located in Northern Europe, designed to meet the challenges of its variable climate, particularly the cold winters and wet seasons. The project aims to create a functional social environment that invites community interaction while providing high-quality gelato and coffee. To achieve this, a flat-pack modular design strategy has been employed, facilitating ease of transportation and assembly, which aligns with the contemporary urban lifestyle of its intended audience.

### Spatial Strategy and Adaptability

The architectural structure employs a modular framework that enables flexibility and adaptability across different urban settings. The design includes a core café shell module that houses the primary service area and a social add-on package that increases space for community engagement. This modular configuration not only accommodates diverse operational requirements but also facilitates scalability to meet growing demand.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials contributes significantly to both the aesthetics and functionality of the café. Polystyrene roof sheeting provides insulation, while waterproof membranes ensure durability against the region's weather conditions. Recycled foam insulation enhances thermal efficiency and sustainability, while glass partitions create transparency between the interior and exterior, enhancing user experience. Additionally, the use of wood cladding and a concrete slab foundation promotes durability and maintenance efficiency. This careful material choice reflects an underpinning commitment to reducing environmental impact.

### Climate Adaptation and Daylight Optimization

A thorough analysis of local climate conditions informed the design, particularly regarding the incorporation of natural light. Strategic window placements maximize solar gain in the colder months while providing shading during the summer, addressing seasonal temperature fluctuations. Extended overhangs further mitigate rain exposure, allowing for an inviting atmosphere within while ensuring energy efficiency through effective lighting design.

### Community Engagement and Technological Integration

The café functions as a hub for social interaction, carefully designed to encourage users to linger and build connections. Features that support community-oriented gatherings, along with a technological integration that includes a mobile app for placing orders and discovering events, enhance customer engagement and loyalty. This approach emphasizes the café’s role as a community anchor, promoting collaboration and shared experiences among patrons.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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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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