Get inspired!

16,979 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Recycled Coffee Grounds and Vertical Slats Enrich a Sustainable Urban Kiosk

Authors:
Tze Yong Tay, Adrian Hong, Saiful Amry Morni
Recycled Coffee Grounds and Vertical Slats Enrich a Sustainable Urban Kiosk

Project in-detail

Utilizing recycled coffee grounds and a façade of vertical wooden slats, the kiosk serves as a sustainable gathering space that enhances community interaction in Helsinki's urban landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes recycled coffee grounds for composting and waste management.
02
Features a façade of vertical wooden slats for natural ventilation and light diffusion.
03
Incorporates a modular design, allowing for adaptability in various urban settings.
04
Emphasizes a strong connection to the park environment, enhancing public engagement.
05
Designed as a zero waste initiative, promoting sustainable practices in coffee service.
The Woodie Coffee project features a contemporary coffee kiosk designed to function as a communal space within St. Esplanadi Park in Helsinki, Finland. This architectural endeavor integrates modern design principles with sustainable practices, creating a distinctive venue that emphasizes the significance of coffee culture in urban life. The project prioritizes accessibility, functionality, and environmental responsibility, making it a relevant addition to its surroundings.

Community-Oriented Design
The architectural design focuses on creating an interactive environment where social gatherings can take place. The configuration of the kiosk promotes ease of movement between service areas and seating, encouraging visitors to linger and engage with one another. The use of an open layout allows for a smooth transition from the exterior to the interior. Furthermore, the incorporation of vertical wooden slats in the facade design serves multiple purposes: it enhances aesthetic appeal, allows natural light into the space, and facilitates cross ventilation, providing a comfortable atmosphere year-round.

Sustainability in Material Choices
The materiality of Woodie Coffee underscores its commitment to sustainability. Natural wood forms the primary structure, reflecting ecological sensibilities while contributing warmth and inviting character to the design. Glass is strategically introduced to allow visibility, thereby reinforcing transparency and connection to the public realm. Additionally, the innovative use of recycled coffee grounds demonstrates a commitment to zero waste principles. This integration not only elevates the project's sustainability credentials but also establishes a closed-loop system for managing organic waste effectively. The project is designed with solar integration, minimizing its carbon footprint and ensuring energy efficiency.

Innovative Urban Integration
Distinct from conventional coffee shops, Woodie Coffee's architectural approach emphasizes modifiability and context sensitivity. The modular design allows the kiosk to adapt to various urban settings while maintaining coherent design language. By positioning the kiosk as an urban intervention, it not only serves coffee but also enhances public engagement in the park environment. This focus on user experience aligns with the project’s goal to cultivate a lively social hub. Additionally, the design addresses local cultural narratives, recognizing the role of coffee in daily life as a unifying activity that fosters connection among diverse individuals.

To explore more about the Woodie Coffee project's architectural plans, sections, and overall design concepts, interested individuals are encouraged to review the project presentation for further insights into its unique features and architectural ideas.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 16,979 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy