In the Czech Republic, the first building utilizing mycelium as a substrate is being constructed and will be completed by the end of the year

Prague – The first building partially utilizing a substrate called mycelium is being constructed in the Czech Republic. The Samorost project is primarily intended for glamping, a more luxurious form of camping. A part of the first module, which is to be the kitchen, is completed. The boards made from mycelium will be inserted between wooden ribs and are intended to serve as thermal insulation. This was stated to journalists at today’s presentation by the project's architects from the Mymo association. The building, consisting of two separate modules, is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

"Currently, the first production phase has taken place. The first module of the house already has part of the wooden structure, into which the first mycelium boards have been inserted. They will serve a sound-insulating function in the interior, while the wooden plywood on the exterior will provide thermal insulation. At the same time, we have assembled the base for the floor part. Subsequent phases will include, among other things, finishing the insulating cladding, waterproofing, manufacturing the central part and the second module, attaching the shingles, and preparing the interior," said architect Kateřina Sýsová. Energy in Samorost will be drawn from two photovoltaic panels.

Mycelium is a cluster of interwoven threads characteristic mainly of fungi and certain types of bacteria. According to Sýsová, the mycelium in the boards is not alive and cannot expand or allow microorganism reproduction. However, if watered, the material can promote bacterial growth. Therefore, buildings made from mycelium require higher hygiene standards. Its production needs a clean environment. A laboratory environment is not necessary, but it cannot be made, for example, in a workshop. During production, workers wear gloves and masks. The fungus grows for about three weeks to a month.

Utilizing mycelium and wood, according to the authors, makes the building fully ecological and sustainable. No waste is produced during manufacturing, and it can be recycled again. It is, however, self-supporting, and no interior elements can be embedded in it. For that purpose, wood is used in the building. For example, kitchen cabinets or picture hooks have to be attached separately to a wooden board. Short-term exposure to water does not harm the mycelium boards, according to Mymo chairman Jakub Seifert. Long-term exposure could, similarly to other biological materials.

The Samorost project demonstrates that mycelium can be used as another sustainable material applicable in construction. In terms of flammability and strength, it is similar to materials commonly used in construction. The authors want the widest public possible, especially the academic sphere and potential investors who could adopt the material and introduce it into industrial production and sustainable construction, to learn about the properties and potential applications of fungi in construction.

The Mymo association brings together personalities from research who aim to lay the foundations of mycelium architecture in the Czech Republic. This includes experts from the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University and the company Mykilio.