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Mycelium Insulation and Local Clay Walls Forming Connected Family Habitats in the Desert

Author:
Horatiu-serban Răcăşan
Mycelium Insulation and Local Clay Walls Forming Connected Family Habitats in the Desert

Project in-detail

Utilizing local clay walls and mycelium insulation, this design seamlessly integrates family habitats into the desert landscape while promoting community interaction and sustainable living.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mycelium for insulation, enhancing thermal performance with an eco-friendly approach.
02
Incorporates local clay and mud in construction, reducing reliance on transported materials.
03
Features interconnected design that fosters family engagement and community interaction.
04
Employs passive ventilation techniques to optimize indoor climate without mechanical systems.
05
Incorporates edible gardens within communal spaces, promoting local food sustainability.

### Overview

"The Core" is an architectural design project located in the United Arab Emirates, inspired by the concepts of community and sustainability suited for the region's arid climate. The intent of the project is to foster human connections through a communal living environment that balances residential needs with environmental stewardship. This design is grounded in the symbolic representation of an oasis, reflecting both a physical and spiritual sanctuary within the desert landscape.

### Spatial Strategy

The layout of "The Core" emphasizes interconnectedness among residences to promote social interaction and community engagement. Central to the design are shared courtyards and gardens that serve as communal spaces, encouraging residents to connect and participate in various activities. This strategy not only fosters a sense of belonging but also integrates outdoor elements into daily life, thereby enriching the residential experience and reinforcing the communal ethos.

### Materiality and Innovation

Utilizing locally sourced materials such as clay and mud, the project underscores sustainability by minimizing environmental impact. Advanced technologies, including 3D printing for structural components and photovoltaic membranes for solar energy harnessing, enhance the building's self-sufficiency. Organic materials such as camel dung and mycelium contribute to thermal insulation and compatibility with the local ecosystem. The incorporation of climate-responsive features, such as windcatchers for passive ventilation, ensures that the interior environment remains comfortable while promoting energy efficiency.

Through these design elements, "The Core" not only addresses immediate housing needs but sets a precedent for sustainable living practices, drawing from and enhancing the cultural and environmental context of the region.

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

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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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Buildner's Unbuilt Award 2025
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Chair
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100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10
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Architecture for Children’s Development #3
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