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Rotating Solar Silo and Charred Wood Facade in a Compact Urban Coffee Kiosk

Authors:
Steven Patrick, Skerdi Brahimaj
Rotating Solar Silo and Charred Wood Facade in a Compact Urban Coffee Kiosk

Project in-detail

A compact urban coffee kiosk integrates a rotating solar silo and charred wood facade, optimizing energy efficiency and functionality in a dynamic public space.
5 key facts about this project
01
A rotating solar silo captures sunlight to enhance energy efficiency.
02
The charred wood facade provides natural weather resistance and aesthetic appeal.
03
Expandable wings allow for increased usability in varying weather conditions.
04
The design incorporates urban integration to foster community interaction.
05
Compact footprint maximizes functionality in limited outdoor spaces.

## Overview

Located within an urban setting, the design of the coffee cherry kiosk draws inspiration from the natural form of a coffee cherry, aiming to create a functional space for serving coffee while promoting sustainability. The project integrates natural concepts through adaptive functionalities, allowing it to respond effectively to varying environmental conditions. This innovative kiosk prioritizes a harmonious relationship between architecture and nature.

## Structural Configuration

The design features a structural form akin to a drum with an upper dome, reflecting the coffee cherry's shape. An outer protective layer combines textured wood finishes and flexible elements, enabling the kiosk to blend into diverse urban contexts. A notable feature is the smart solar silo located at the top, which functions as both a sun-tracking solar energy collector and a protective cover for accessory storage. This element enhances the sustainability of the kiosk while adding a distinctive architectural focal point.

## User-Oriented Design Features

Internally, the kiosk is organized for optimal functionality. The "heart" component includes essential facilities such as coffee brewing equipment, a clean water tank, and a gray water storage area. The layout is designed to facilitate interaction between staff and customers, with a service counter positioned for easy access and efficiently placed storage to streamline operations. Additionally, features such as rotatable solar panels and expandable wings demonstrate adaptability, allowing the kiosk to maximize energy capture and transform its operational capacity based on weather conditions.

The materials selected for construction emphasize sustainability, including sustainably sourced wood plank siding, recyclable aluminum, stainless steel for hygiene, and durable manufactured stone. Such choices not only contribute to the environmental intention of the project but also enhance its functional and aesthetic qualities.

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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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