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Volcanic-Inspired Design With Wooden Façade and Educational Exhibition Space

Author:
Aleksandar Makaric
Volcanic-Inspired Design With Wooden Façade and Educational Exhibition Space

Project in-detail

Inspired by the shape of a volcano, the design incorporates a wooden façade and an educational exhibition hall, creating a functional space dedicated to coffee production and visitor engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Volcano-inspired design shapes both the building form and visitor experience.
02
Wooden façade enhances environmental integration and sustainability.
03
Exhibition hall represents the core of the volcano, promoting educational engagement.
04
Roof terrace provides panoramic views and encourages outdoor interaction.
05
Pathway ascends through the structure, guiding visitors through coffee's journey.

The Coffee Factory project offers a thoughtful approach to its environment, drawing inspiration from the form of a volcano. Situated in a landscape with gentle hills, the factory acts as an interactive center for coffee production and enjoyment. It focuses on connecting visitors with the entire coffee journey, from cultivation to the final cup, while integrating naturally with the surrounding landscape.

Architectural Form

The building’s shape is based on geometric analysis that reflects volcanic features. Visitors follow a pathway that leads upward, arriving at a roof terrace that invites them to engage with the outdoors. This journey is enhanced by well-placed windows that frame views of three important hills, allowing guests to appreciate the natural scenery throughout their visit.

Interior Layout

Inside, the Coffee Factory is organized to encourage smooth movement between different spaces. After entering through the main entrance, guests access a wardrobe area before arriving at the Coffee Plants Garden. This educational space provides insights into coffee cultivation and the complexities involved in growing coffee.

Nearby, the Coffee Roastery and Selling Point create engaging sensory experiences, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich aromas produced during the roasting phase. The layout features a Coffee Preparation area and Bar Counter designed for efficiency and convenience in serving drinks.

Visitor Experience

The Coffee Shop Consumption Area boasts wide views of the landscape, enhancing the overall enjoyment of the coffee experience. A basement Exhibition Hall educates visitors about the coffee-making process, representing the core of the volcano design and supporting the facility's educational aspect.

The roof terrace bar provides additional space for visitors and includes amenities like toilets for their comfort. A strategically located storage room near the kitchen and bar streamlines operations, ensuring everything runs smoothly.

Material Considerations

The building incorporates a wooden façade and construction that aligns with the natural surroundings, emphasizing a sustainable design approach. The reinforced concrete foundation provides strength and stability, while insulation and finishing materials contribute to thermal efficiency.

Details such as the thoughtfully designed wooden elements and the carefully chosen views create a connection for visitors with coffee culture, making each experience memorable and engaging.

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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

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