Get inspired!

17,725 architecture projects

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

Mycelium Insulation and Anaerobic Digester in a Self-Sufficient Tiny House

Authors:
Pippa Mcleod-brown, Layla van Ellen, Monika Brandić Lipińska
Mycelium Insulation and Anaerobic Digester in a Self-Sufficient Tiny House

Project in-detail

Utilizing mycelium insulation and an anaerobic digester, this self-sufficient tiny house adapts to seasonal changes, providing essential living space for observatory workers in winter and tourists during the summer.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes an anaerobic digester to convert waste into biogas for cooking.
02
Incorporates helophyte filters for efficient water management.
03
Made with locally sourced pine from fallen trees.
04
Features mycelium insulation derived from wood pulp waste.
05
Designed to adapt to the specific needs of observatory workers and seasonal tourists.

The Rhythmic Nest is an adaptive tiny house situated on the observatory grounds of Kielder in the UK. It serves two main functions: providing accommodation for observatory workers during the winter months and hosting tourists in the summer. The design concept centers on adaptability, allowing the structure to respond to the different needs of its occupants throughout the seasons. The architecture engages with the surrounding landscape and enhances the living experience through a well-thought-out spatial layout.

Design Concept and Functionality

The core idea of the Rhythmic Nest is adaptability. The layout includes flexible spaces that transition smoothly between private and communal areas. This design allows the building to function effectively for both individuals seeking solitude and groups looking to spend time together. Ample natural light and wide views help create a connection to the outdoors, making the interior feel open and inviting. The arrangement of spaces takes into account the varied schedules of different users, ensuring that comfort and functionality are prioritized.

Sustainable Energy Systems

To achieve self-sufficiency, the Rhythmic Nest incorporates advanced energy systems. An anaerobic digester produces biogas for cooking while photovoltaic and thermal (PVT) panels on the roof generate electricity and provide heating. This energy solution enables consistent warmth throughout the year and allows for efficient thermal comfort during changing weather conditions. Thick insulation further supports the building’s energy efficiency, minimizing heat loss and contributing to a sustainable living environment.

Water Management and Waste Systems

Water management is essential in the design. The Rhythmic Nest uses heliophyte filters to treat and separate water into green, grey, and black categories. Rainwater is collected from the roof, and additional water is sourced from the nearby Bakethin Reservoir, ensuring ample supply. The waste management system is also well-planned, utilizing the anaerobic digester to process kitchen and toilet waste. This system transforms waste into energy and produces digestate that can nourish the surrounding landscape.

Material Selection

Materials used in the construction have been chosen for their sustainability and local availability. The main structure consists of locally sourced pine wood, which is collected from fallen trees. Additionally, the insulation is made from mycelium panels derived from leftover wood pulp, demonstrating a commitment to reducing waste and environmental impact. These material choices not only support the local economy but also emphasize harmony with the surrounding ecosystem.

Large windows frame views of the Kielder forest, drawing nature into everyday life. This thoughtful design detail allows occupants to feel connected to their environment, turning the experience of living in the Rhythmic Nest into one that blends indoor comfort with the beauty of the outdoors.

Noticed a mistake?
Highlight the text and click on
Noticed a mistake

MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

`
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

Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
100,000€ Prize / 2025
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
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 17,725 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