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Polycarbonate Facade with Reconstituted Timber Supports for a Compact Urban Kiosk

Authors:
Jeremy Doherty, Simon Doherty
Polycarbonate Facade with Reconstituted Timber Supports for a Compact Urban Kiosk
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With its polycarbonate facade and reconstituted timber supports, this compact urban kiosk seamlessly integrates sustainable materials and modern design to serve as a vibrant coffee hub in a highly trafficked area.
5 key facts about this project
01
A polycarbonate facade enhances energy efficiency while providing transparency.
02
Cross-laminated timber is utilized for structural integrity and sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design optimizes space while creating a distinctive silhouette.
04
Charred wooden shingles provide weather protection and aesthetic appeal.
05
An app-based ordering system streamlines customer interactions and service.

## Overview

The Big Tiny Coffee House is located in high-traffic urban areas, designed to address the practical needs of modern city environments through a contemporary interpretation of traditional Northern European architecture. The project integrates principles of sustainability and adaptive design, contributing positively to the urban landscape both functionally and aesthetically.

## Design Philosophy

### Traditional Influences and Modern Adaptation

The design was informed by an in-depth analysis of Northern European housing structures, drawing on specific architectural elements such as batten and board façades, vibrant color palettes, and pitched roofs. These characteristics were adapted through a minimalist lens, which streamlined traditional forms to meet contemporary urban requirements. The evolutionary design process transitioned from initial concepts that closely adhered to historical references to a final solution that marries these elements with modern urban functionality.

### Material Selection and Sustainability

The selection of materials plays a crucial role in both the aesthetic and sustainable aspects of the Big Tiny Coffee House. Key components include integrated solar panels that contribute to renewable energy generation, a robust steel structural frame for durability, and reconstituted timber for warmth and visual appeal. Polycarbonate panels ensure efficient natural lighting, while varied glass forms enhance transparency and interaction with the surroundings. Together, these materials underscore the project's commitment to environmentally friendly design practices.

## Functional and User-Centric Features

### Interior Layout and Operational Efficiency

Internally, the kiosk is optimized for efficiency, featuring a strategically designed serving counter that enhances beverage preparation and delivery. Custom cabinetry provides effective storage solutions, maximizing space while ensuring accessibility. Additionally, the incorporation of greywater management systems and sustainable electrical infrastructure supports operational sustainability.

### Enhanced User Experience

To further improve user interaction, the design includes a mobile application that allows customers to place orders in advance. This technology streamlines service and integrates the convenience of modern app usage with the traditional coffee purchasing experience, catering to the dynamic needs of urban life.

### Strategic Placement and Community Engagement

The kiosk's placement in vibrant urban settings, such as the Barcode project in Oslo and Stortorget in Sweden, is intentional, chosen to harness foot traffic and serve as a focal point for community engagement. This strategic location reinforces the cultural significance of coffee as a social activity, establishing the Big Tiny Coffee House as a vital part of the urban social fabric.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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