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Operable Louvers and Spruce Details Shape An Engaging Urban Coffee Space

Authors:
Zeid Qaqish, Muhammad Abbas
Operable Louvers and Spruce Details Shape An Engaging Urban Coffee Space

Project in-detail

With operable spruce louvers that adapt to changing weather, this urban coffee space redefines interaction between indoor and outdoor environments while fostering community engagement through its inviting design.
5 key facts about this project
01
The façade features adjustable operable spruce louvers, allowing dynamic interaction with environmental conditions.
02
Cross-laminated timber panels enhance structural stability while promoting sustainable material use.
03
The bent A-frame design not only supports the structure but also creates an engaging visual presence in the urban landscape.
04
Heavy-duty glass installations provide transparency and a direct view into the coffee-making process, inviting passersby to engage.
05
Mobility features enable the coffee house to adapt its position within the urban environment, fostering flexible community use.
The Big Tiny Coffee House represents a thoughtful exploration of architecture that prioritizes community interaction and the evolving culture of coffee. This project is not merely a functional space for serving beverages; it encapsulates the essence of urban living and the vital role that gathering places play within city life. The design illustrates an approachable atmosphere that invites dialogue and connection, facilitating a unique coffee experience that extends beyond traditional boundaries.

Primarily, the function of the Big Tiny Coffee House revolves around providing a welcoming environment for coffee enthusiasts and casual passersby alike. The layout is organized to separate the operational aspects of coffee preparation from the customer experience, promoting efficiency while allowing for meaningful exchanges between baristas and patrons. The indoor and outdoor areas are designed to merge seamlessly, reflecting a commitment to accessibility and openness. Operable window systems enable the space to adapt dynamically to various weather conditions, ensuring a pleasant experience no matter the elements outside.

A notable aspect of the design is the careful selection of materials. The use of spruce wood is prominent throughout the structure, evident in the louvered façades that serve both aesthetic and functional purposes. These horizontal and vertical plantation louvers allow for adjustments based on weather, creating a responsive building that interacts harmoniously with its surroundings. The warmth of wood not only adds an inviting quality to the space but also enhances thermal and acoustic performance, making it suitable for an urban context.

Heavy-duty glass plays a critical role in the design by promoting transparency and visibility, allowing the public to witness the coffee-making process while establishing a clear connection with the street. This relationship is reinforced by the inclusion of strategically placed windows that enhance the interaction between the building's interior and the bustling environment outside. Metal elements complement these materials, providing structural integrity and adding a contemporary touch to the overall design.

The project showcases unique design approaches that focus on flexibility and community engagement. Mobility features such as wheels enable the coffee house to reposition itself, emphasizing adaptability in a dynamic urban landscape. Moreover, this architectural idea extends the building’s usability by allowing it to cater to various community activities, thus reinforcing its role as a hub for social interaction.

Sustainability is another vital component woven into the design fabric of the Big Tiny Coffee House. The emphasis on local materials and simple construction techniques minimizes the ecological footprint while supporting local economies. This responsibility towards the environment aligns with contemporary architectural practices that advocate for sustainable development.

In summary, the Big Tiny Coffee House embodies a modern architectural approach that integrates community-focused design, adaptability, and sustainability within an urban context. It invites users to engage with the architecture as a backdrop to their experiences, nurturing communal relationships and fostering a sense of belonging in an increasingly fast-paced world. To gain deeper insights into this project, readers are encouraged to explore architectural plans, sections, and more detailed architectural designs that illustrate the various elements and ideas behind the Big Tiny Coffee House.
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MICROHOME
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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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