Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

Learn from past Buildner architecture competition participants through our extensive project library, curated over more than 15 years!

Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Mycelium Facade Define a Sustainable Living Space

Author:
Anastasiia Luzgina
Cross-Laminated Timber Panels and Mycelium Facade Define a Sustainable Living Space

Project in-detail

Utilizing cross-laminated timber panels and a mycelium facade, the design integrates sustainable materials with traditional cultural elements, creating a cohesive living environment that promotes energy efficiency and communal interaction.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes charred wooden shingles for enhanced durability and fire resistance.
02
Incorporates greywater recycling systems to minimize water consumption.
03
Features modular design that allows for future expansions without structural changes.
04
Utilizes natural ventilation strategies to optimize indoor air quality.
05
Integrates photovoltaic panels into the structure for renewable energy production.

**Overview**

Located in Dubai, the House of the Future exemplifies a contemporary residential design that integrates sustainability with cultural sensibilities. This project addresses modern residential needs by challenging conventional concepts of domesticity and promoting a harmonious dialogue between innovative practices and traditional values. The intent is to create a living environment that resonates with both the physical and emotional aspects of home life.

**Spatial Configuration and Layout**

The spatial organization of the house is designed to facilitate interaction and privacy. The ground floor features interconnected public areas, such as living and dining spaces, which encourage social engagement and family connections. These zones are strategically positioned to maximize natural light and maintain a sense of openness. In contrast, the first floor is dedicated to private areas, including bedrooms and activity spaces, ensuring a clear distinction between public and intimate settings. This layout promotes efficient circulation while benefiting from natural ventilation.

**Material Choices and Sustainability Measures**

Material selection plays a crucial role in achieving both sustainability and aesthetic coherence. The structure prominently utilizes Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) for flooring, contributing to a lighter carbon footprint. The exterior is clad in limestone and mycelium, enhancing insulation while being environmentally responsible. Energy efficiency is further supported by double-glazed windows and the inclusion of heat pumps for climate control. Water management features, such as greywater recycling tanks, alongside photovoltaic panels for energy generation, underline a commitment to sustainable living practices. This thoughtful integration of materials reflects a balance between modern technology and reverence for local architectural heritage.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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
Denver Affordable Housing Challenge
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
To view this project in detail,
please log in with your
Architects’ Network Plus account.
Subscription instantly unlocks all the architecture projects plus other member-only benefits:
  • Access the 17,725 Concept Library
  • Professional tools including file transfer, email, portfolio management, and more
Register now
Already a member? Log in

This website uses cookies to improve user experience and gather usage statistics.

More information is available in our Privacy & Cookie policy