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Runic Inspired Coffee House With Pitched Roof And Sustainable Wood Frame

Author:
Liliya Efanova
Runic Inspired Coffee House With Pitched Roof And Sustainable Wood Frame

Project in-detail

Constructed with a wooden frame and sandwich panels, the coffee house draws inspiration from the runic alphabet, incorporating a pitched roof design that suits its snowy environment while serving as a community gathering space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mannaz name references the runic alphabet, emphasizing cultural heritage.
02
Pitched roof design accommodates heavy snow loads typical of the region.
03
Constructed with a wooden frame to enhance sustainability and natural aesthetics.
04
Integrated anti-vandal shutters offer security while maintaining visual appeal.
05
Sandpaper finishes provide a unique tactile quality to the exterior surfaces.

The Mannaz Coffee House is located in Northern Europe and represents a fusion of traditional Scandinavian architecture and modern design. It serves as a community hub, focusing on functionality while embracing cultural history. The design concept captures the essence of the region, making the coffee house not just a place for beverages, but a reflection of local identity.

Cultural Significance

The name “Mannaz” derives from the runic alphabet and means "man" or "person." This choice establishes a connection to Scandinavian heritage. It gives the coffee house historical depth, creating a space that resonates with visitors and reflects local customs and traditions. The design evokes a sense of shared history, allowing patrons to engage with the past while enjoying the present.

Architectural Form

A pitched roof is a vital feature of the building, designed to handle the heavy snow loads common in the area. This choice not only ensures safety but also aligns with traditional roof designs found throughout Northern Europe. The form maintains practicality, blending well with its surroundings and contributing positively to the local landscape.

Material Selection

The commitment to sustainability is evident in the materials chosen for the construction. A wooden frame promotes a natural aesthetic while ensuring eco-friendly practices. Sandwich panels are used to enhance insulation, making the structure well-equipped to deal with cold temperatures. The exterior features sandpaper finishes that provide a tactile quality, supporting the overall modern yet organic look of the building.

Security Measures

Functional aspects such as anti-vandal shutters increase safety for users while also allowing for flexible interaction with the outside environment. These features help create a welcoming space that feels secure. Inside, the design is inviting, encouraging patrons to linger while enjoying their time in the coffee house.

The combination of a sloping roof and overhanging eaves casts dynamic shadows that change throughout the day, adding an engaging visual aspect. This feature emphasizes the relationship between light and space, enhancing the overall experience for those who visit.

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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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