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Yellow Solar Kiosk with Concrete Pipe Inspiration

Author:
Jack Law
Yellow Solar Kiosk with Concrete Pipe Inspiration

Project in-detail

Inspired by the form of concrete water pipes, the yellow solar kiosk integrates child-friendly features and versatile service modules to create an inviting space for social interaction and food offerings.
5 key facts about this project
01
Inspired by the shape of concrete water pipes, enhancing visual engagement in urban areas.
02
Features a bright yellow color scheme, creating an inviting atmosphere consistent with branding.
03
Incorporates solar panels, offsetting one-third of the kiosk's energy needs.
04
Designed with multiple service modules for diverse food offerings and social interactions.
05
Includes child-friendly elements, like a viewing ladder for gelato displays.

The design centers on a kiosk inspired by concrete water pipes, which play an important role in urban sewer systems. Located in a lively urban area, the kiosk is intended to serve multiple functions, enhancing customer experiences. The design concept takes the practical aspects of water pipes and turns them into a friendly and engaging space for socializing and providing service.

Design Concept

The kiosk features a round square form that combines geometric simplicity with a playful reference to its concrete pipe inspiration. This shape ensures good visibility and encourages exploration in busy urban settings. The bottom section of the structure is painted a bright yellow, creating an inviting atmosphere that aligns with the upbeat branding. This color choice is reflected in the packaging and marketing materials, resulting in a consistent visual identity.

Service Modules

The design includes different service modules to meet various customer needs, incorporating elements like a seating cart, bakery cart, hot dog cart, and fast food kitchen cart. This versatility maximizes functionality and promotes social interaction, making the kiosk appealing to individuals and groups. Research highlights the benefits of seating, as it enhances the value of the kiosk’s offerings and improves the overall customer experience.

Sustainable Features

The design embraces sustainability by integrating solar panels — three on the service cart and one on the seating cart. These panels significantly lower energy consumption, allowing the kiosk to meet about one-third of its electricity needs. This approach reflects a growing focus on environmental responsibility in modern design while providing practical support for operations.

Materials and Structure

The kiosk is built using a steel frame, which ensures structural strength. The exterior is made from prefabricated glass fiber reinforced concrete, selected for its durability and lightweight nature. These material choices facilitate easy transport and quick assembly on site. Thoughtful features, such as a ladder for children to see gelato displays, add a level of appeal, showing consideration for diverse visitors.

The design effectively combines playful elements with practical considerations, resulting in a welcoming space that invites people to engage with its offerings.

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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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
Affordable Housing Series 19th Edition
The Architect's 
Chair
The Architect's Chair
Take a seat and make a statement! Edition #4
MICROHOME
MICROHOME
100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
Kinderspace
Kinderspace
Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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