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Spruce Wood Panels Define Modular Kiosk for Urban Engagement

Authors:
Ilsa Khan, Emily Liu
Spruce Wood Panels Define Modular Kiosk for Urban Engagement
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The modular design of interchangeable spruce wood panels facilitates a flexible coffee kiosk that promotes urban engagement while providing a comfortable space for patrons to enjoy high-quality coffee.
5 key facts about this project
01
Interchangeable panel system allows for adaptable enclosure options.
02
The octagonal shape maximizes pedestrian engagement and space efficiency.
03
Transparent roof enhances natural light and creates a welcoming atmosphere.
04
Efficient service counter layout supports quick customer transactions.
05
Constructed using sustainably sourced spruce wood for environmental responsibility.

The Octa Coffee House is a modern addition to urban coffee culture, designed to engage people in an active city environment. Located in a bustling area, it offers a welcoming space for both locals and tourists to enjoy thoughtfully prepared coffee. The design concept revolves around an octagonal shape that provides both functionality and aesthetic appeal, inviting interaction and creating a new kind of coffee experience.

Modular Structure

The octagonal shape allows efficient use of space while maintaining a small environmental footprint. This unique design encourages easy flow for pedestrians, drawing them in with its inviting form. The structure consists of eight panels, where four outer panels remain fixed and four inner panels can move along tracks. This flexibility enables the coffee house to transition between an enclosed space and a more open setting. The ability to adjust the panels enhances airflow and visibility, creating an inviting atmosphere for customers passing by.

Interior Layout

Inside, the coffee house features a well-organized counter that is divided into three functional areas: one for ordering, another for pick-up, and a third for condiments and snacks. This layout supports an efficient workflow for baristas and addresses the demand for quick service typical in coffee culture. The design prioritizes comfort and ease of interaction, allowing patrons to engage with the environment and the staff. This thoughtful setup enhances the overall experience of enjoying coffee in the space.

Light and Atmosphere

Natural light plays a crucial role in creating a pleasant atmosphere within the Octa Coffee House. A transparent roof allows sunlight to fill the interior, making the space feel open and warm. This use of daylight contributes to a positive working environment for baristas and creates an enjoyable experience for customers. The way light interacts with the interior design underscores the project’s focus on an inviting setting.

Material Choice

The choice of materials reflects an emphasis on sustainability. The panel system uses spruce wood, which provides structural support while contributing a warm aesthetic. This choice not only enhances the visual appeal but also aligns with environmentally conscious design principles. The use of spruce wood helps the coffee house connect to its surroundings while maintaining functionality.

The Octa Coffee House effectively combines modern design with practical needs. With its flexible panels, organized interior, and ample natural light, it fosters a welcoming environment for all who enter. The careful attention to both form and function defines this unique coffee house experience.

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The Next House: USA — A Global Call to Reimagine the American Suburb

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Competition organisers

Buildner is launching The Next House: USA, a global architecture competition that challenges architects, designers, and thinkers to reimagine the American suburban home for the 21st century. For decades, the suburban house has symbolized comfort and stability, but today it often reflects excess, isolation, and environmental strain. This competition asks: how can the American home evolve to address climate urgency, economic pressures, and shifting social values?

Participants are tasked with designing a prototype home of no more than 1,500 sq ft (≈140 m²) for a household of two adults and one child. The design should be compact yet generous, adaptable, sustainable, affordable, and replicable across diverse U.S. contexts. More than a design exercise, the competition aims to spark a conversation about how homes can support healthier, smarter, and more connected communities.

The total prize fund is $20,000 USD. The final registration deadline is May 20, 2026, and winners will be announced on September 22, 2026. The Next House: USA invites architects, students, and visionaries worldwide to redefine what the American home means today—and what it should mean tomorrow.

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