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Mycelium Structures Under Mercury's Harsh Conditions for Sustainable Energy Generation

Authors:
Ajeng Dwi Sintiya Dewi, Salwa Gayuanda , Muhammad Adji Maulana
Mycelium Structures Under Mercury's Harsh Conditions for Sustainable Energy Generation

Project in-detail

Harnessing solar energy through a circular layout and advanced mycelium structures, this facility is designed to function efficiently in Mercury's extreme conditions while supporting energy generation and satellite manufacturing.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mycelium for structural integrity, promoting sustainable building practices.
02
Incorporates a circular layout to optimize energy capture and space utilization.
03
Employs advanced photovoltaic materials specifically designed for harsh planetary conditions.
04
Features a solar tower that manages both energy generation and resource distribution.
05
Designed for multifunctionality, accommodating living quarters and satellite manufacturing within one facility.

### Project Overview
"Solaris – Heart of the Energy," is a pioneering facility located on Mercury, strategically designed to harness solar energy in space. This initiative addresses the growing global demand for sustainable energy sources by utilizing space-based solar technologies, capitalizing on the direct and intense sunlight available on Mercury. The facility aims to provide solutions for energy sustainability on Earth while mitigating the adverse impacts associated with conventional energy production methods.

### Spatial Strategy and Functionality
The design incorporates a circular floor plan that houses a central command center, essential for energy conversion operations, along with residential amenities such as crew accommodations and leisure spaces. Surrounding the command center is a Solar Tower, which is pivotal for converting harvested solar energy into electrical power. Auxiliary manufacturing facilities are integrated within the structure, intended for satellite production, thereby promoting multifunctionality and operational efficiency in challenging extraterrestrial conditions.

### Material Innovation
The project employs advanced materials to ensure durability and energy efficiency in a harsh space environment. Key components include photovoltaic materials for effective solar energy capture, mycelium-based biomaterials that enhance structural durability while supporting sustainable practices, and aerogen silica and aluminum-alloy composites selected for their lightweight and resilient qualities. This combination not only addresses structural requirements but also aligns with ecological considerations, emphasizing a design philosophy rooted in sustainability and innovation.

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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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