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Mycelium Bricks and Recycled Plastic Form a Sustainable Community Home

Author:
Julia Niklasson
Mycelium Bricks and Recycled Plastic Form a Sustainable Community Home

Project in-detail

Utilizing mycelium bricks and recycled plastic, the design promotes sustainability through modular spaces that enhance community living while seamlessly integrating with the surrounding landscape.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mycelium bricks allow for a building material that grows over time, adding a dynamic aspect to the structure.
02
Water steam is reused for irrigation in plant areas, promoting a cycle of resource efficiency.
03
The design incorporates tiles made from recycled plastic waste, reducing environmental impact.
04
A significant green roof returns approximately 60% of the footprint to nature, enhancing biodiversity.
05
The layout features open and multifunctional spaces, encouraging social interaction among residents.

The Mycelium House is an architectural endeavor that rethinks residential spaces by creating multifunctional areas within a home. Located in a natural environment, the design aims to integrate living spaces typically deemed private, like bathrooms and showers, into more accessible and open features. By doing so, the home fosters interactions among its occupants while enhancing its connection to the landscape.

Materiality and Construction

Mycelium bricks are a key feature of the Mycelium House, introducing a unique aspect to the building process. While these materials require more time to construct, they embody growth and change as the mycelium develops. This approach aligns with a sustainable vision, allowing building materials to eventually return to nature after their use, promoting a lifecycle that respects the environment.

Sustainable Practices

The commitment to sustainability is evident throughout the design. The façade incorporates tiles made from recycled plastic waste, highlighting an effort to limit environmental harm. Foam glass serves as the foundation material, ensuring durability while supporting eco-friendly goals. Water steam is utilized for the plants, and any wastewater is absorbed by floral installations, showcasing practical applications of resource reuse.

Integration with Nature

The design of the Mycelium House emphasizes a connection to the surrounding environment through thoughtful window placement and ample greenery. Natural light and ventilation are carefully optimized, creating a living space that feels connected to the outdoors. A green roof plays a critical role in sustainability, allowing a significant portion of the footprint to be returned to nature. This aspect also aids in insulation, which can enhance energy efficiency and promote local biodiversity.

Distinct Design Features

Then, glass bottles embedded within the mycelium add texture and visual interest. This innovative use of materials contributes to the overall character of the home, providing a blend of function and aesthetics. The focus on natural living, together with the attention to sustainability, creates an environment that encourages a deeper appreciation for the surrounding landscape. The Mycelium House reflects a thoughtful approach to modern living while respecting the planet.

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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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