Get inspired!

16,544 architecture projects

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

Mycelium Insulated Retreat With Green Roof and Timber Architecture

Authors:
Liza Karimova, Sean Leahy
Mycelium Insulated Retreat With Green Roof and Timber Architecture

Project in-detail

With mycelium insulation and a green roof that integrates food production, the design fosters a seamless connection with nature, serving as a secluded retreat for mindfulness and reflection.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mycelium insulation is cultivated on-site, enhancing sustainability and energy efficiency.
02
The cabin features a green roof that incorporates edible plants, promoting self-sufficiency.
03
A non-electric wood pellet stove provides heating in a compact, environmentally friendly design.
04
Geometric shapes are used to create a balance between open and intimate spaces within the layout.
05
Large windows frame forest views, blurring the line between indoor living and nature.
The architectural project known as "Mind-Body" serves as a retreat that fosters a relationship between nature and human experience, promoting mindfulness and well-being. This architectural design seeks to address the increasing need for spaces that facilitate introspection and connection to the environment. By accommodating both mental and physical needs, the project emerges as a thoughtful retreat, encouraging inhabitants to engage with the diverse dimensions of their existence.

The structure is designed to create a dual experience, featuring spaces that resonate with the themes of contemplation and practicality. Central to the design approach is the understanding of the mind and body as interconnected elements. This philosophy is translated into the physical layout, which encompasses a meditation space, sleeping area, work area, and facilities for food and water management. Each zone serves a specific purpose, yet they are all interconnected through a seamless flow of space that invites movement and encourages interaction among the various functions.

The use of sustainable materials is a significant aspect of the "Mind-Body" project. Wood, as a primary building material, not only provides structural integrity but also fosters a warm and inviting atmosphere within the retreat. The incorporation of mycelium as an insulation material reflects a commitment to ecological practices, as mycelium is both sustainable and capable of offering efficient thermal properties. It can be cultivated in harmony with the natural surroundings, reinforcing the project's ethos of environmental respect.

One of the remarkable features of the retreat is the green roof, which integrates nature into the architectural design while providing functional benefits like insulation and local food production. This element exemplifies a unique approach to sustainability, as it allows inhabitants to engage with the environment in a tangible way—transforming part of the roof into a productive space for tea-making and planting.

The structure employs simple geometric shapes that reflect clarity and purpose. This design choice not only enhances the aesthetic quality of the project but also creates a strong visual connection with the surrounding landscape. The large windows and open spaces are purposefully positioned to frame views of nature, allowing light to permeate and enhancing the sensory experience within the cabin. The relationship between the indoor and outdoor environments is vital, encouraging residents to immerse themselves in the natural world outside.

The project also demonstrates a commitment to self-sufficiency through its inclusion of essential facilities. The non-electric wood pellet stove offers a sustainable heating solution, while the incorporated water tank emphasizes a low-impact lifestyle, allowing for efficient water collection and management within the cabin. Furthermore, the design features a dry toilet system, promoting environmental responsibility and minimizing the project's ecological footprint.

Throughout the architectural design, attention to detail is evident. The careful arrangement of spaces promotes not only functionality but also a sense of harmony, offering a respite from the complexities of modern life. The project thoughtfully integrates elements that are not only necessary for everyday living but also resonate with a deeper philosophical context of self-awareness and ecological mindfulness.

By bringing together various aspects of design, sustainability, and human experience, the "Mind-Body" project stands as a model of what modern architecture can achieve. It invites individuals to reconnect with themselves and their surroundings, fostering a lifestyle that marries practicality with a mindful approach to living. For those interested in delving deeper into the architectural plans, sections, and the overall design philosophy, exploring the details of the project presentation will provide a more comprehensive understanding of its unique architectural ideas and the thoughtful strategy behind it.
Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

Enter an open architecture
competition now

The Architect’s 
Stair
The Architect’s Stair
Take a step and make a statement! Edition #2
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
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

Competition organisers

The 10th edition of the MICROHOME architecture competition invites architects and designers from around the world to explore the possibilities of compact, sustainable living. Hosted by Buildner in collaboration with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this special edition challenges participants to design an off-grid, modular microhome for a young professional couple, with a maximum floor area of 25 m². Designs should prioritize innovation, efficiency, and real-world feasibility. 

A total prize fund of 100,000 € will be awarded, including three main prizes, the Kingspan Award, and the Hapi Homes Award, which will grant 15,000 € and lead to the construction of the selected design. The final registration deadline is September 25, 2025, and winners will be announced on Decebmer 9, 2025. For full competition details and submission guidelines, visit microhome.info.

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
Early bird registration deadline 22 May 2025
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 16544 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