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Moss-Covered Shelter Utilizing Local Wood for Community Gathering

Authors:
Gary Fox, Mark Chadwick
Moss-Covered Shelter Utilizing Local Wood for Community Gathering

Project in-detail

A moss-covered exterior made from locally sourced wood enhances the Urban Coffee Kiosk's ecological presence, providing a functional space for community engagement and social interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Moss and sedum walls enhance biodiversity while providing insulation.
02
Folding wind shields adapt the kiosk for varying weather conditions.
03
Local wood sourced from sustainable forests reinforces environmental responsibility.
04
Charging points for devices cater to modern urban users.
05
The kiosk's footprint is minimized for optimal integration into public spaces.

The Urban Coffee Kiosk serves as both a coffee point and a space for social interaction within urban environments. Situated in a community-focused area, it blends into the local surroundings while promoting engagement among residents. Inspired by Scandinavian design, the kiosk highlights practicality and simplicity, resulting in a structure that encourages the use of public space.

Conceptual Framework

The design combines the elements of a traditional kiosk and a bench, creating a versatile area for various activities. Surfaces are intended for sitting or leaning, making it not just a place to grab coffee but also a gathering spot for people. This multifunctionality enhances the social atmosphere, encouraging interactions among users in public spaces.

Spatial Design

The kiosk features large openings that allow natural light to flood the interior. This design choice fosters a warm and inviting environment for both patrons and staff. Additionally, folding wind shields protect against the elements, ensuring year-round usability. The structure is raised slightly off the ground, enhancing visibility and accessibility, thus making it a prominent part of the urban fabric.

Material Considerations

A focus on locally sourced wood from sustainable forests forms the core of the kiosk's construction. This choice supports local economies and reduces environmental impact. Natural moss and sedum walls provide aesthetic value and contribute to urban biodiversity. The use of recycled and upcycled materials emphasizes a commitment to sustainability and responsible architecture.

Functional Aspects

The kiosk is equipped with practical features such as charging points for devices and a touch screen for ordering. These elements cater to the needs of modern consumers. In addition, rainwater harvesting systems are integrated into the design to promote resource efficiency, reflecting an awareness of environmental concerns.

The clean lines and simple shapes echo Northern European architectural styles, creating a distinctive yet approachable presence in the urban landscape. The Urban Coffee Kiosk stands as a place where people can connect over a shared love for coffee and community.

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

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Competition organisers

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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