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Transparent Bioplastic Facade Showcasing Coffee Lifecycle in a Compact Kiosk

Authors:
Federico Lerner, Mercedes Mena
Transparent Bioplastic Facade Showcasing Coffee Lifecycle in a Compact Kiosk

Project in-detail

A transparent bioplastic facade allows for visibility into the stages of coffee preparation while promoting sustainability through recycled wood, serving as a compact kiosk for urban coffee enthusiasts.
5 key facts about this project
01
Translucent bioplastic allows customers to view coffee processing stages.
02
Recycled wood construction promotes environmental sustainability.
03
Ergonomic layout optimizes barista workflow in a compact area.
04
Dynamic lighting effects enhance the visual appeal throughout the day.
05
Coffee grounds are visible on the facade, emphasizing reuse potential.

The Coffee Lighthouse serves as a unique blend of function and public engagement, positioned strategically in a bustling area. This kiosk not only functions as a coffee vendor but also acts as a visual attractor for those passing by. The design centers around the idea of transparency and interaction, allowing individuals to observe the coffee-making process as part of their experience.

Visibility and Engagement

A key aspect of the design is its focus on visibility. The use of transparent bioplastic in the façade invites customers to look inside and see various stages of coffee preparation. From whole beans to ground coffee and even used coffee grounds, the design emphasizes the journey of coffee. This interaction nurtures a greater understanding and appreciation for the product.

Workspace Functionality

The layout is designed with the barista's workflow in mind, ensuring an efficient and comfortable workspace. Every element is arranged to support the barista's tasks, making it easier to serve customers quickly. The compact space is optimized for movement, allowing for high-quality service in a busy setting.

Material Choices

Materials for the kiosk reflect a commitment to sustainability. Recycled wood makes up the structure, lending a warm touch while reducing environmental impact. Bioplastic is selected for its clarity, highlighting the coffee while also being biodegradable. The combination of these materials enhances the overall design and aligns with modern values.

The arrangement of the materials creates interesting interactions with light throughout the day. As sunlight filters through the transparent sections, it highlights the coffee and transforms the kiosk into a lively feature in its surroundings. This aspect invites exploration and curiosity, making the Coffee Lighthouse a dynamic addition to the urban landscape.

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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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