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Rainwater Harvesting Kiosk Featuring Aromatic Ventilation and Glass Facade

Authors:
Axel Gerlero, Catalina Sonzini Astudillo, Paula de simone
Rainwater Harvesting Kiosk Featuring Aromatic Ventilation and Glass Facade

Project in-detail

The design incorporates a rainwater harvesting system and aromatic ventilation within a glass and wood kiosk, providing a unique space for coffee consumption in Bergen's distinct climate.
5 key facts about this project
01
The roof design resembles a coffee cup lid while serving as a rainwater collection area.
02
Warm air from the interior is expelled through grilles to facilitate snow melting in winter.
03
Aromatic ventilation draws the scent of coffee outdoors, creating an inviting atmosphere.
04
The use of glazed glass promotes natural light and visual connections with the landscape.
05
The design prioritizes compactness, making it adaptable for various urban settings.

The proposed coffeeshop in Bergen, Norway, brings together environmental awareness and user experience within its design. Located in a scenic area, the kiosk is built around the concept of a coffee cup, enhancing both its purpose and appearance. The design aims to offer a sensory experience, engaging visitors while responding to the specific climatic conditions of the region.

Conceptual Design

The kiosk's identity stems from its resemblance to a coffee cup. The roof is shaped to mimic the lid of a cup, and it also acts as a rainwater storage tank. This dual function highlights the commitment to sustainability, allowing the building to utilize natural resources effectively for its operation. It is a simple yet clever way to integrate function with form.



Sustainability Features

An efficient ventilation system takes advantage of the warmth generated inside the kiosk. Warm air escapes through specially designed grilles, which helps to melt snow during colder months. This design ensures that the kiosk remains usable throughout the year, adapting to Bergen's changing weather in a practical way.



Sensory Experience

A key element of the design is how it enhances the sensory experience of drinking coffee. Ventilation openings are positioned to allow the aroma of freshly brewed coffee to spread into the surrounding area. This creates a welcoming environment for customers and invites passersby to engage with the space. It connects the kiosk to its surroundings in a meaningful manner.



Materiality

Materials used in construction include glazed glass and wood, both chosen for their practical and aesthetic qualities. The glass allows natural light to flow inside, while also providing views of the beautiful landscape. Wood adds warmth and natural texture, reinforcing the relationship between the structure and its setting.



The design prioritizes efficiency and simplicity, characterized by a clean aesthetic that communicates a modern identity. The balance between contemporary forms and local character helps the kiosk become a part of the community while serving its functional purpose.

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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

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