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Translucent Glass Facade and Mirrored Steel Meet Natural Wood in a Versatile Urban Coffee Structure

Author:
Tim Keepers
Translucent Glass Facade and Mirrored Steel Meet Natural Wood in a Versatile Urban Coffee Structure

Project in-detail

Reflective steel, playful steam pipes, and a modular layout converge in a compact urban structure designed to enhance the coffee-buying experience.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes a dual-function modular design allowing for adaptable service configurations.
02
Incorporates playful steam pipes as both aesthetic and auditory features.
03
Features a mirrored steel facade that enhances reflections and perceptions of space.
04
Employs natural stone in the facade to establish a connection with the environment.
05
Engages with sensory elements to create an immersive coffee-buying experience.
The KREM Coffee Box is a contemporary architectural project designed to serve as a versatile coffee retail space. Located in a bustling urban setting, it combines functionality and aesthetic considerations to create a unique environment for the coffee culture. The design promotes an engaging user experience, allowing for interaction between customers and the barista while facilitating smooth operational flows.

The project integrates several key architectural elements tailored to enhance its functional purpose. The structure features an adaptable layout that supports both open-air and closed configurations, enabling it to cater to varying weather conditions and operational needs. The materials used—wood, steel with a mirrored finish, glass, and natural stone—are selected for their durability, aesthetic appeal, and functional properties. The warm textures of wood create a welcoming atmosphere, while the reflective surfaces of steel enhance spatial perceptions, allowing customers to engage with both the structure and its surroundings. Glass has been utilized to promote transparency, facilitating visual connections between the barista and patrons.

Unique Design Approaches

What distinguishes the KREM Coffee Box from other conventional coffee kiosks is its emphasis on sensory engagement and user interaction. The design includes playful steam pipes, which not only serve a functional purpose but also contribute to the overall soundscape of the environment. This integration creates an immersive experience as customers are enveloped in the sounds associated with the coffee-making process.

The duality of the structure is another notable aspect of its design approach. By offering modular components that can be manipulated for different scenarios, the KREM Coffee Box adapts seamlessly to various user flows and service demands. This versatility allows it to serve effectively in multiple contexts, including outdoor markets or festival settings, where customer traffic can be unpredictable.

Spatial integration is vital to the project, as the layout encourages a natural flow between the operational areas and the customer spaces. Queuing zones are strategically placed to ensure an efficient service experience without detracting from the engagement potential. Visual graphics enhance the appeal of the structure, contributing to its identity and making it a recognizable feature within its location.

Functional Details and Architectural Considerations

The architectural design emphasizes simplicity while ensuring that form and function are closely aligned. The selection of natural materials aligns with trends in sustainable architecture, promoting a connection with the environment. A focus on light and transparency allows natural elements to play a role in the daily operations, reducing the need for artificial lighting during daylight hours.

Attention to detail is evident in the choice of textures and finishes throughout the coffee box. The coexistence of industrial materials, such as steel, with organic elements, like wood and stone, fosters a balanced aesthetic that encourages users to engage with the space. The thoughtful integration of sensory elements creates an inviting atmosphere that aims to redefine the coffee-buying experience.

For professionals in architecture, the KREM Coffee Box is an example of how to merge functional requirements with user engagement in a compact format. Interested readers should explore the project presentation for further insights, examining architectural plans, sections, designs, and related architectural ideas that illustrate how such a project can effectively enhance urban coffee culture.
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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
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