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Reclaimed Wood and Calacatta Marble in a Mobile Coffee House

Authors:
Milda Pittman, Paula Cimionatto
Reclaimed Wood and Calacatta Marble in a Mobile Coffee House

Project in-detail

Constructed from a shipping container, this mobile coffee house integrates reclaimed wood and Calacatta marble to create a functional space that embodies sustainability while serving quality coffee in urban settings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Constructed from a repurposed shipping container.
02
Incorporates reclaimed wood for sustainability.
03
Features Calacatta marble countertops.
04
Equipped with solar panels for energy efficiency.
05
Graphics wrap the exterior for visual identity.

The Big Tiny House Challenge presents a mobile coffee house design that addresses the rising need for efficient, adaptable spaces in urban settings. Utilizing a shipping container as the primary structure, this project emphasizes a compact and functional layout that can be located in various areas. The design merges industrial elements with inviting interiors, creating a pleasant environment for customers who seek quality coffee on the go.

Structure and Layout

The foundation of the coffee house is a shipping container, chosen for its strength and durability. This decision simplifies assembly and reduces maintenance over time. Inside, the layout is carefully arranged to enhance workflow, allowing for efficient coffee preparation. The setup facilitates quick service while ensuring that the space remains accessible for both staff and customers. Attention to detail in the layout contributes to a satisfying overall experience.

Materials

Material choices are important in shaping the character and usability of the coffee house. Reclaimed wood is featured prominently, bringing warmth and a sense of sustainability. Calacatta marble is used for select surfaces, offering a polished look. The design includes a palette of cool gray tones, clear glass for natural light, and subway white wall tiles that provide a classic appearance. Bronze finishes add a hint of elegance, all while ensuring the space is durable enough to withstand heavy usage.

Sustainability

Renewable energy solutions are an essential aspect of the coffee house. Solar panels are integrated into the design, reflecting a commitment to environmental care. This feature helps minimize operational costs and aligns with modern practices in sustainable design. Additionally, the use of natural light enhances the interior ambiance, making the coffee house feel welcoming and vibrant during daylight hours.

A key detail is the graphics displayed on the sides and back of the unit. These graphics create a distinct visual identity that connects the coffee house to its urban context. This approach not only invites curiosity but also reinforces the unique presence of the establishment in the cityscape.

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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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