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Mycelium Construction and Wind Towers Creating Sustainable Desert Living

Author:
C Shashwat Naidu
Mycelium Construction and Wind Towers Creating Sustainable Desert Living

Project in-detail

Mycelium block construction and passive cooling wind towers define a residential space that harmonizes sustainability with traditional Emirati hospitality.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mycelium blocks provide an eco-friendly alternative to traditional building materials.
02
Wind towers enhance natural ventilation while minimizing reliance on mechanical cooling.
03
The layout integrates communal courtyards, promoting social interaction among residents.
04
Reclaimed wood is strategically used, reinforcing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.
05
Separate private quarters respect cultural norms while accommodating modern family dynamics.

## Project Overview
Located in the United Arab Emirates, the design integrates traditional Emirati architectural elements with contemporary principles to address modern living needs while preserving cultural heritage. The project's intent is to create a functional and visually appealing environment that reflects local socio-cultural contexts, focusing on hospitality, community, and familial bonds.

### Spatial Configuration and Experience
The layout of the residence includes distinct areas to cater to social and private interactions. Ground floor spaces are dedicated to public use, featuring a majlis, living areas, and a guest room, along with an inner courtyard that enhances social connectivity. The first floor accommodates private areas, such as bedrooms and a gym, providing a balance between communal and personal spaces. The incorporation of open courtyards promotes natural light and ventilation, crucial for comfort in the arid climate. This thoughtful arrangement encourages a flow between indoor and outdoor environments while respecting traditional privacy norms.

### Material Selection and Sustainable Strategies
Materials used in construction reflect a commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Reinforced concrete serves as the foundational structure, while innovative options like mycelium bricks and reclaimed wood are employed to minimize the ecological footprint. The project incorporates renewable energy solutions, including solar panels and rainwater harvesting systems, addressing the specific challenges of water scarcity in desert regions. By interweaving sustainability with cultural relevance, the design not only supports modern living but also honors traditional Emirati lifestyle practices.

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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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