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Mycelium Water Harvesting Structure with Aerodynamic Design and Recycled Materials

Authors:
Eivilė Greiciūnė, Austėja Urbanavičiūtė
Mycelium Water Harvesting Structure with Aerodynamic Design and Recycled Materials

Project in-detail

Utilizing mycelium for water collection and an aerodynamic shell-like design, the microhome offers an effective solution for sustainable living in response to climate challenges.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes mycelium technology for effective water filtration and collection.
02
Employs recycled wood in the structure for enhanced sustainability.
03
Features an aerodynamic shell design to improve energy efficiency.
04
Incorporates bamboo for terrace flooring, promoting renewable materials.
05
Mobile design allows relocation to adapt to changing environmental conditions.

### Overview

The "Black Pearl" microhome project is situated within the context of Australia’s increasingly challenging housing landscape, driven by climate-induced displacement, particularly from events such as forest fires. This initiative focuses on providing a sustainable housing alternative through its innovative microhome design, which integrates advanced technologies for environmental responsiveness, rapid construction methods, and community-oriented features. The concept draws inspiration from natural forms, particularly the pearl mussel, symbolizing both resilience and ecological adaptation.

### Spatial Configuration and Materiality

The design of the microhome features a fluid, shell-like exterior that enhances both aesthetics and aerodynamic performance while ensuring structural integrity. Interior spaces are efficiently arranged to maximize usability, incorporating multifunctional areas for living, working, and sleeping. High-quality, eco-friendly materials underscore the project’s sustainability goals, including 100% recycled wood for the framework, mycelium for natural insulation, polypropylene for effective water collection, bamboo for durable terrace boards, and steel for reinforcement. The use of these materials not only addresses waste reduction but also promotes an environmentally considerate approach to construction.

### Environmental Stewardship and Community Integration

A central component of the microhome's design is its advanced water management system, which captures rain and atmospheric moisture via fog nets and mycelium filtration systems. The integration of the "Kingspan BioDisc Swale Treatment" for wastewater management ensures that pollution is minimized, fostering ecological balance. Additionally, solar panels are installed to harness renewable energy, further supporting the project's sustainability objectives. The mobility aspect of the microhome allows residents to relocate as needed, enhancing accessibility and adaptability. Overall, this initiative encourages community engagement by allowing residents to choose locations that align with socio-demographic needs while maintaining ecological sensitivity.

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

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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

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