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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

Project in-detail

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 The evolutionary design process transitioned from initial concepts that closely adhered to historical references to a final solution that marries these elements with modern urban functionality.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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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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