Architects reimagine the modern coffee shop for Bee Breeder's Big Tiny Coffee House Challenge

The Big Tiny Coffee House Challenge has asked architects to reimagine the ubiquitous coffee shop. Held in partnership with "Kremm Coffee and Gelato," the Bee Breeders competition sought proposals for a kiosk that could be replicated in capital cities across Northern Europe. 

Asking participants to look past the traditional lounge motif that permeates today’s caffeine culture, the jury was to look for iconic designs that can be easily constructed and transported, while at the same time, sophisticated enough to have the potential to become a recognized landmark in their own right. This was the jury’s primary focus when selecting winning projects, preferring designs that were easily recognizable, and as such could be used to build a brand around their characteristics. 

Winners of the challenge have now been announced. Take a look below!

First Prize Winner:  Coffee Podium (Hong Kong) by Lau Wai Lap

Jury comments: "The 'Coffee Podium' flipped the concept of a coffee house on its head, creating a temporary structure that revels in its pop-up nature. The bulk of the podium is made of a scaffolding system which is integrated into the coffee house to make it lightweight, easy to construct, and easy to dismantle. A single barista can work from the 4.3m x 3.9m kiosk which is elevated above the ground amidst waterproof plywood panels and translucent polycarbonate plastic panels. Customers would navigate a modular ladder system that forms a loop circulation, creating a panoramic view path. The jury were impressed with this combination of iconic design and original thinking, all while imparting a minimal footprint that is easily constructed in any location."

Second Prize Winner: Tiny Coffee House (U.S.) by Ali Parva and Reza Khosravi with Old Dominion University

Jury comments:  "The “Tiny Coffee House” project features an eye-catching steeped entrance, creating a unique and iconic look that has the potential to be used for the company’s brand identity. Split into two parts, the Coffee House has a dedicated workstation, and sitting area, the latter of which looks to provide a calm climate for customers to stop off and enjoy their coffee. The interior space is inviting, with its warm material and elevated ceiling form. The building has an adaptable structure which can be changed throughout the year, opening up the sitting area to provide outside seating during warm weather."

Third Prize Winner: As Home (Italy) by Marco Di Pisa, Daphne Tarantino, Marianna Di Salvo, and Silvia Albano of Studio 2HB SRL

Jury comments:  "The pragmatic 'AsHome' project follows two guidelines that are indicative of Scandinavian countries: order and simplicity. This portable coffee house’s framework is made of non-toxic recyclable aluminum coated with wood, creating a cosy area where customers can relax and enjoy a hot cup of coffee. It features solar-powered LED lighting as well as two large glass walls, placed lengthwise along the sides. The project aims to allow customers to enjoy homemade coffee in whichever location it is placed, creating a warm and cosy environment, while at the same time organizing the space in a functional and harmonious way."