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Translucent Spruce Facade Enhances Community Engagement In A Flexible Timber Kiosk

Authors:
Jesse Poutanen, Netta Peippo
Translucent Spruce Facade Enhances Community Engagement In A Flexible Timber Kiosk

Project in-detail

The integration of a semi-transparent spruce facade with a modular timber structure creates a flexible community kiosk designed for social interaction and coffee culture.
5 key facts about this project
01
The kiosk features a dynamic semi-transparent facade that adjusts according to weather conditions.
02
Modular design allows for easy relocation and adaptation to various environments.
03
Constructed using sustainably sourced plywood and charred wooden shingles for durability.
04
Geometrically influenced bent A-frame structure enhances aesthetic while providing stability.
05
Incorporates LED lighting to highlight architectural elements during evening hours.

The Coffee Cone Kiosk is an architectural project designed to enhance coffee culture in Northern Europe, particularly within the Nordic countries. This compact structure serves as a multifunctional space that encourages social interaction, offering a welcoming environment for coffee enthusiasts. It reflects a thoughtful response to the regional climate and community-driven values, aiming to integrate seamlessly into both urban and natural landscapes.

The kiosk is characterized by its organic form and semi-transparent facade, which utilizes lightweight materials that allow for flexibility in usage. The design prioritizes community engagement, acting as a central hub where individuals can gather and connect over coffee. Its modular construction enables adaptation to various sites, making it a versatile option for different environments.

Unique Design Approaches and Material Use

The architectural approach taken in the Coffee Cone Kiosk emphasizes sustainability and adaptability. The structure employs a combination of dark brown dyed plywood for flooring and internal components, laminated light brown counters for work surfaces, and pine wood for the frame, creating a cohesive aesthetic that balances functionality with warmth. Spruce shingles on the facade provide weather resistance and a rustic appearance, reinforcing its alignment with regional architectural traditions.

The dynamic facade features elements that can be adjusted based on climatic conditions, enhancing user comfort while facilitating interaction with the surrounding environment. The incorporation of LED light rope provides energy-efficient illumination, further accentuating the kiosk’s architectural features during evening hours. This attention to detail not only contributes to the visual appeal but also enhances the operational efficiency of the space.

Functional Zoning and Design Outcomes

Internally, the kiosk is designed to optimize workflow while ensuring a pleasant customer experience. The layout includes a serving counter equipped with coffee brewing apparatus and display areas for snacks, promoting a seamless interaction between baristas and patrons. Ample storage solutions are integrated within the design, maintaining a clean and organized appearance.

The Coffee Cone Kiosk represents a modern interpretation of traditional coffee spaces, tailored to meet contemporary needs. Its innovative design fosters community interaction and emphasizes sustainability, making it a relevant architectural solution for urban and rural settings in the Nordic context. For further insight into this project, including architectural plans, sections, and detailed designs, readers are encouraged to explore the full project presentation.

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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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