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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
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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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The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025: Celebrating Architectural Creativity and Visionary Unbuilt Designs with a Total Prize Fund of €100,000

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Competition organisers

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 is an international architecture competition dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the value of unrealized architectural designs. It invites architects, designers, and students worldwide to submit visionary projects that have not yet been constructed, highlighting the power of ideas and the creativity behind the design process. By focusing on unbuilt work, the competition aims to bring forward concepts that shape the future of architecture and push the boundaries of the profession. 

Participants can compete in three categories based on project scale: Small Wonders (up to 100 m²), Medium Marvels (101–999 m²), and Large Visions (over 1,000 m²). Each category winner will receive €20,000, and additional prizes include honorable mentions, student awards, and a special Best Presentation Award. Winning projects will gain significant international exposure through Buildner’s publicity campaign and a feature article on ArchDaily, providing a unique opportunity to showcase creative ideas to a global audience. 

The Buildner’s Unbuilt Award 2025 encourages entrants to submit any type of unbuilt project, from conceptual visions to detailed designs, celebrating bold innovation without the constraints of realization. Important deadlines: registration closes on October 30, 2025; submissions are due by November 20, 2025; winners will be announced on December 17, 2025.

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025

Celebrating your unbuilt architecture visions with a €100,000 prize

100,000€ Prize / 2025 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 €
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 30 October 2025

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