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Biomimetic Design Utilizing Mycelium Bricks and Coral for Sustainable Desert Living

Authors:
Dina Mohammed, Rana Mohamed, Kholoud Adel Afify
Biomimetic Design Utilizing Mycelium Bricks and Coral for Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

Utilizing mycelium bricks and coral reef materials, the design integrates biomimetic principles to enhance moisture management in a desert setting, creating a sustainable living environment for multiple families.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mycelium bricks for lightweight construction and thermal efficiency.
02
Incorporates coral materials for enhanced aesthetics and sustainable sourcing.
03
Features a dual-layered blind system inspired by camel anatomy for adaptability in light and privacy.
04
Integrates indoor farming systems leveraging evaporation for climate control.
05
Designed with community living in mind, accommodating multiple families within a cohesive layout.

### Overview

The Camar-esil House is situated in a desert environment, designed to integrate modern living with ecological sustainability and cultural heritage. The project draws inspiration from the natural resilience seen in local wildlife, particularly the camel, to inform its architectural strategies and material choices. Through the application of innovative design methods, it addresses the unique challenges posed by its arid location, resulting in a functional residence that reflects a commitment to environmental and cultural contexts.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Practices

The material palette of the Camar-esil House emphasizes sustainability and local sourcing. Mycelium bricks, characterized by their lightweight and water-resistant properties, significantly reduce carbon emissions during production. Local Sidr wood offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, minimizing transportation impacts. Additionally, sustainably extracted coral reef bricks enhance the aesthetic while ensuring environmental responsibility. Concrete and reinforced slabs provide necessary structural support, while burlap, paired with glass panels, fosters moisture management and natural light penetration.

Sustainable energy solutions are integral to the design, featuring photovoltaic solar panels that enable off-grid functionality. Natural ventilation strategies, including chimney systems and strategically placed openings, optimize air circulation for thermal comfort without relying on mechanical cooling.

### Spatial Configuration and Cultural Integration

The spatial organization of the Camar-esil House comprises multiple interconnected levels, designed to facilitate privacy and space utilization for multiple families, thereby encouraging communal living. The incorporation of indoor plant systems leverages evaporation techniques to enhance air quality and indoor climate control.

Culturally, the design incorporates architectural motifs linked to local traditions, such as patterned mycelium bricks and ornamental features that resonate with the surrounding environment. Furthermore, innovative cooling strategies, including the "Camel Nose Technique," utilize glass prisms to capture and redistribute moisture from ambient air, highlighting a nuanced understanding of the desert climate. The dual-layered blinds enhance privacy while allowing for adaptive light control, maintaining both comfort and connection to the 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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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