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 Elevated Timber Living in Rural Bali Farming Hub

Authors:
Mohamed Khalid Mohamed Mekawi, Habiba Hesham Ahmed Abdelgawwad Youssef
Mycelium Insulation and Elevated Timber Living in Rural Bali Farming Hub

Project in-detail

Elevated wooden platforms and mycelium insulation define a sustainable living space designed to support the daily activities of farmers in Bali's rice terraces.
5 key facts about this project
01
Elevated design to mitigate flood risks in agricultural areas.
02
Integration of mycelium for natural insulation and sustainability.
03
Functional workspaces incorporated within the living area layout.
04
Locally sourced materials enhance environmental sensitivity.
05
Rainwater harvesting systems support water conservation efforts.

## Overview

Located within the Jatiluwih rice terraces in Bali, Indonesia, the T.H.K. Farmer project exemplifies an architectural response to rural contexts where agriculture, tradition, and sustainability intersect. Set within a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its cultural and natural significance, the project aims to honor local farming practices while addressing ecological imperatives through innovative design strategies.

## Spatial Organization and Functionality

The T.H.K. house features a spatial arrangement that reflects the cyclical nature of agricultural activities. The design incorporates three interconnected functional areas: a multifunctional living space, dedicated zones for crop threshing and tending, and systems for sustainable energy and water management. The living space utilizes a raised wooden platform and extensive glazing to facilitate a visual and physical connection with the surrounding landscape. This integration not only caters to the practical needs of farmers but also underscores the importance of agricultural rituals.

## Sustainability and Material Choice

Sustainability is central to the project, reflected in both material selection and energy systems. Locally sourced wood provides structural integrity with minimal environmental impact, while mycelium serves as insulation, enhancing durability through bio-based construction methods. Additional materials, such as rice straw and hemp, further promote energy efficiency and contribute to the warmth of the interiors. The design also incorporates advanced systems such as a biogas generator for waste management, rainwater harvesting, and greywater recycling, thus reinforcing the connection between the built environment and the natural ecosystem.

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