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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
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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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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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Design the next suburban home for the USA

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Eligibility Open to all
Early bird registration deadline 19 November 2025

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