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Culinary Hub Embracing Mycelium and Geothermal Energy

Author:
Ryall Burden
Culinary Hub Embracing Mycelium and Geothermal Energy

Project in-detail

Utilizing geothermal energy and mycelium technology, the design integrates a culinary hub with an edible garden to foster sustainable food practices and community engagement.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes geothermal energy for cooking and heating.
02
Incorporates an edible water garden for natural purification.
03
Employs mycelium technology for waste recycling and mushroom production.
04
Features aquaponics for integrated crop and fish farming.
05
Engages community through hands-on harvesting experiences.

Hringrásir is a project that focuses on cycles and seasons, connecting deeply with its natural surroundings. Located in an area with geothermal resources, the design serves as a space for food preparation and community interaction. It emphasizes the relationship between human activities and the environment, aiming to enhance understanding of ecological systems.

Hot Spring Oven
At the heart of the design is the Hot Spring Oven, which harnesses geothermal energy to cook various foods, including breads, skyr, meats, and fish. This cooking facility is not just a practical feature; it also draws visitors by showcasing how local resources can be used in a sustainable way. The method of slow cooking highlights a commitment to both quality and environmental care.

Water Management System
The project includes an efficient water management system. Hot spring water is used to warm farming areas and flows through the internal courtyard before returning to the edible water garden. This cycle supports sustainability by controlling temperature and creating a visual experience. In the water garden, plants help purify the water by filtering out salts and minerals, contributing to a balanced ecosystem that benefits both aquatic life and human users.

Waste Management and Mycelium Technology
Another innovative aspect is the waste management system that processes kitchen waste using funispor. This mycelium breaks down organic materials and produces mushrooms. Such a system reduces waste and replenishes nutrients, reinforcing a sustainable approach to food production. This practical application of mycelium technology emphasizes the importance of resource efficiency in achieving sustainability.

Aquaponics and Community Engagement
Incorporating aquaponics, planters use fish-enriched water to grow crops. These plants begin their growth phase in nursery greenhouses and are then transported to the main building for harvest. This setup encourages involvement from both kitchen staff and visitors in the food production process. Such interaction promotes learning about sustainable practices and the connections between farming and ecology.

As water flows through the garden, surrounded by vibrant plant life and fish, the design illustrates a strong bond with the natural environment. This connection creates a rich sensory experience for visitors and an opportunity to engage with ecological systems.

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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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