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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.

The architectural design project, "The Core," aims to redefine residential living within the unique climatic and cultural context of the United Arab Emirates. This project serves as a communal living environment that integrates sustainability, innovation, and community interaction, creating a harmonious relationship between residents and their natural surroundings. Through a thoughtful application of local materials and advanced construction techniques, "The Core" embodies a modern approach to architecture while respecting traditional values.

Unique Design Approaches

"The Core" stands out from conventional residential designs through its emphasis on community. The layout comprises interconnected homes designed to facilitate dialogue and shared experiences among families. This strategic configuration promotes social interaction while maintaining personal privacy, a balance that is often overlooked in standard community developments.

The project utilizes local clay and mud, minimized waste through 3D printing, and incorporates renewable energy solutions such as photovoltaic membranes to enhance energy efficiency. Additionally, the use of camel dung and mycelium contributes to the thermal performance and overall sustainability of the building. The design considers the harsh desert climate, utilizing natural elements such as courtyards filled with vegetation to create shaded microclimates that improve living conditions.

Functional and Spatial Attributes

The architectural layout features spacious, flexible interiors that adapt to the needs of contemporary families. Each residence focuses on natural light penetration and allows for air circulation, making the living spaces more comfortable. Central to each dwelling is an interior courtyard that creates an intimate connection between the inside and outside, encouraging residents to engage with both their neighbors and the landscape.

The design incorporates water recycling systems and passive ventilation techniques, addressing the challenges imposed by the arid environment and contributing to the project’s sustainability goals. These functional aspects demonstrate how "The Core" is not just about aesthetics but also about practicality and resilience in a desert setting.

For those interested in understanding more about architectural plans, architectural sections, and architectural ideas behind "The Core," exploring detailed project presentations will provide further insights into the innovative features and underlying principles that define this unique residential design.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge invites architects and designers to create iconic public sculptures for one of two sites in Saudi Arabia: Abu Hadriyah Road or the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar. Proposals should reflect Saudi identity, culture, and future aspirations.

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The Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge is an international architecture and design competition inviting creatives to shape the future of Saudi Arabia’s public spaces. With a total prize fund of €50,000, the competition calls for sculptural proposals that merge cultural symbolism with innovative design, offering participants a chance to see their concepts brought to life in a rapidly transforming national context.

Organised by Buildner in partnership with the Mujassam Watan Initiative, the challenge focuses on two prominent locations: Abu Hadriyah Road, a major highway and gateway into the Eastern Province, and the Tharwa Sea Front in Al-Khobar, a pedestrian-focused waterfront district. Designers must select one site and develop a sculpture that engages with its surroundings—whether addressing the fast-paced dynamism of a transit corridor or creating moments of interaction along a coastal promenade.

Proposals should be bold, site-specific, and rooted in narrative—drawing on themes such as heritage, national identity, transformation, and dialogue. Environmental responsiveness, material durability, and feasibility are strongly encouraged, as winning projects may be selected for actual construction.

Each submission must include four A2 landscape presentation boards, a cover image, and a written project description. The competition is open to professionals and students alike, working individually or in teams of up to four people. No professional license is required.

Registration is open until July 24, 2025, with final submissions due by August 27, 2025. Winners will be announced on October 1, 2025.

Mujassam Watan Urban Sculpture Challenge

Design iconic urban sculptures for the prestigious Mujassam Watan competition and compete for 50,000 €

50,000 € PRIZE project COMPETITION
Prize 50,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 24 July 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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