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Sustainable Micro Homes Crafted From Mycelium and Recycled Materials

Authors:
Aapo Wihersaari, Eero Koivu
Sustainable Micro Homes Crafted From Mycelium and Recycled Materials

Project in-detail

Crafted primarily from mycelium and recycled materials, this sustainable micro home addresses the challenges of the Finnish climate while offering versatile living solutions in a compact footprint.
5 key facts about this project
01
Mycelium is the primary building material, providing natural insulation and sustainability.
02
The design incorporates recycled materials for reduced environmental impact.
03
Modular construction allows for quick assembly and flexible living configurations.
04
Adapted to withstand Finland's extreme weather conditions with robust features.
05
The project emphasizes compostability, supporting a circular design approach.

"FUNGI FINLANDIA" is an architectural endeavor that focuses on sustainability and adaptability through the use of mycelium. Located in Finland, the design acknowledges the country’s diverse climate and aligns itself with the natural processes found in organic growth. By reflecting the lifecycle of fungi, the project presents a concept that interweaves nature with residential needs, aiming for a practical and environmentally friendly solution.

Material Properties

Mycelium serves as the main building material, valued for its thermal insulation capabilities and its resistance to fire, water, and mold. This choice allows for a carbon-negative approach, helping to create a fully compostable structure. In addition, recycled building materials are included to further reduce environmental impact and underline the project’s commitment to sustainability. Together, these materials support a construction methodology that prioritizes ecological mindfulness.

Modular Design Concept

The design embraces modularity through the MicroHome concept, which promotes flexibility in how spaces can be used. The layout is organized into distinct areas, including living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and bedrooms. Each zone is designed to maximize utility while retaining a comfortable scale. This careful arrangement facilitates various living arrangements, making the most of the available space in an efficient manner.

Environmental Adaptability

The building's design directly addresses the challenges posed by Finland's climate. With considerations for heavy rain, high humidity, freezing temperatures, and rapid temperature changes, the architectural approach ensures durability and resilience. This focus on adaptability informs not just the choice of materials but also the overall form and functionalities of the building.

One notable aspect of the design is the careful detailing within the modular components, which allows for straightforward assembly and future adjustments if needed. This element of adaptability emphasizes the connection to natural processes, echoing the way fungi work with their environment, promoting a seamless integration between architecture and nature.

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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

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