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Vertical Timber and Recycled Wood Create a Sustainable Community Space

Author:
Nastarn Razavi
Vertical Timber and Recycled Wood Create a Sustainable Community Space

Project in-detail

Incorporating vertical timber and recycled wood, the structure utilizes a water recycling unit and passive solar shading to create a sustainable community coffee house that fosters ecological awareness.
5 key facts about this project
01
Sustainable design features a water recycling unit.
02
Incorporates passive solar shading through a vertical fin.
03
Utilizes recycled wood for all major structural elements.
04
Integrates hanging vegetation for improved air quality.
05
Transportable structure allows site flexibility.

The Big Tiny Coffee House offers a practical response to sustainable living, connecting with its natural environment. Set in an inviting location, the coffee house serves as a community space where people can gather and enjoy refreshments. The design draws on the four basic elements—Fire, Water, Air, and Earth—each thoughtfully integrated into the structure to promote a sense of harmony.

Key Features
Several important features highlight the focus on sustainability. Hanging vegetation is included, enhancing the visual appeal while improving air quality and biodiversity. A small cabin element with solar panels is prominent, emphasizing a commitment to renewable energy and energy-efficient design.

Water Conservation
A water recycling unit is an important part of the design, showcasing responsible water management practices. This feature reinforces the goal of reducing waste and encourages users to consider their water use. The careful design encourages a holistic approach to ecological living, making sustainability a practical aspect of daily life.

Architectural Elements
The vertical fin serves a key role by providing passive solar shading, helping to manage light and heat inside the building. Seasonal or year-round greenery is thoughtfully positioned to block summer sunlight, ensuring comfort throughout the year. These elements are designed not only for efficiency but also to create an inviting atmosphere that connects the building with its surroundings.

Material Choices
The design prominently features vertical timber panels and recycled wood. These materials support the structure while reflecting a commitment to minimizing environmental impact. The natural textures and colors of the wood enhance the feelings of warmth and connection to nature, enriching the experience for visitors.


The elevations of the building highlight both public and private areas, promoting interaction among users while offering spaces for quiet moments. A notable detail is the transportable nature of the structure, allowing it to adapt to different locations easily. This flexibility enhances its usability and accommodates a variety of community needs.

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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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