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Solar-Powered Kiosk with Cork Insulation and Transparent Facade for Urban Brewing

Authors:
Riccardo Genovesi, Herbert Bonatesta
Solar-Powered Kiosk with Cork Insulation and Transparent Facade for Urban Brewing

Project in-detail

A solar-powered coffee kiosk with cork insulation and a translucent facade redefines urban brewing by merging sustainability with functional design in a compact space.
5 key facts about this project
01
Solar panels integrated into the design ensure energy efficiency for daily operations.
02
Cork insulation enhances thermal performance while promoting sustainability.
03
The bent A-frame design offers a unique architectural silhouette in an urban context.
04
Large glass windows facilitate visual connectivity with the surrounding environment.
05
Custom cabinetry includes a built-in fridge for streamlined service and storage.

### Project Overview
Located in an urban setting, this architectural design presents a compact and multifunctional space, intended primarily as a coffee kiosk or café. The design addresses the integration of aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency, aligning with contemporary urban lifestyles while emphasizing the cultural significance of coffee.

### Conceptual Framework
The design is informed by the social rituals associated with coffee drinking. Its abstract architectural form is reflective of a coffee pot, symbolizing the communal aspects of coffee culture. The inclusion of quotes from influential figures highlights the role of coffee in fostering conversation and community engagement.

### Materiality and Sustainability
The selection of materials plays a crucial role in the project's sustainability and user experience. A steel base ensures structural integrity, complemented by a wooden framework that provides warmth and comfort. Cork panels enhance thermal insulation, thereby improving energy efficiency. Additionally, colorful bent sheet metal offers both protective and aesthetic benefits, while the integration of solar panels underscores a commitment to renewable energy. Generous glass windows facilitate natural light, creating an inviting atmosphere and connecting the interior space with the surrounding environment.

### Functional Design and User Experience
The structure incorporates a practical layout that supports efficient workflows for baristas, featuring well-considered placements for the cash desk and refrigeration units. Key design elements include a transportable structure, enhancing flexibility in urban contexts. Strategically positioned skylights and windows optimize natural lighting, reducing reliance on artificial sources and improving customer comfort. The versatility inherent in the design allows it to adapt to multiple uses, catering to various market demands and community activities.

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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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