A groundbreaking building project in the Czech Republic is showcasing how fungi could transform the construction industry by creating sustainable, eco-friendly structures. The innovative SAMOROST House represents the first building made entirely of mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms, demonstrating how this natural material can revolutionize modern architecture and glamping experiences.
The pioneering project is led by home reconstruction financier Burinka and designed by Tomasz Kloza, a graduate architect who has created a structure that redefines sustainable building practices. Throughout 2023 and early 2024, extensive laboratory testing within the SAMOROST project confirmed the significant potential of mycocomposite as a viable substitute for traditional non-organic materials commonly used in construction.
"This pioneering material can be applied across various construction elements, including insulation for walls, roofs, and floors, as well as in non-structural components," explains Jakub Seifert, chair of the MYMO Association and collaborator in the SAMOROST initiative with Burinka. "It's also effective for thermal bridge elimination and serves as an excellent acoustic insulator. Moreover, it offers exciting possibilities for creating contemporary furniture and decorations."
The architectural design itself draws inspiration directly from nature, with Kloza crafting the glamping prototype to resemble two parasol mushrooms emerging from the earth. The main mycelium insulation is complemented by a supportive wooden structure, creating a unique blend of organic and traditional building materials. The innovative approach demonstrates how mushrooms can transform raw materials like straw or wood into structurally sound building components.
"Our 'mushrooms' are segmented into fourteen identical pieces, forming a jigsaw puzzle-like structure," Kloza details. "We've integrated other natural and sustainable materials with the mycelium to create a unique composition." The design features wooden segmented shingles on the roof that mimic the delicate scales of a parasol mushroom's cap, combined with decorative mycelium elements that enhance both functionality and aesthetics.
The structure incorporates several innovative design elements that maximize both sustainability and livability. A verdant facade connects the two living areas, subtly enhancing the overall design while round, tiltable skylights provide abundant natural light throughout the interior spaces. This integration of natural lighting and green elements creates an immersive living experience that connects occupants with the surrounding environment.
Fungi possess the remarkable ability to transform organic waste materials such as straw or wood into durable, load-bearing construction materials through their natural growth processes. This biological transformation offers the construction industry new possibilities for creating environmentally responsible building materials that could significantly reduce the industry's carbon footprint and reliance on traditional manufacturing processes.
The SAMOROST House project represents a significant milestone in sustainable architecture, proving that mycelium-based materials can meet the practical demands of modern construction while offering superior insulation properties and acoustic performance. The success of this prototype suggests that mushroom-based building materials could become increasingly common in future construction projects, particularly in eco-conscious developments and sustainable housing initiatives.
As the construction industry continues to seek alternatives to energy-intensive traditional materials, mycelium-based building components offer a promising solution that combines environmental responsibility with practical functionality. The SAMOROST House demonstrates that these fungal materials can create beautiful, livable spaces while contributing to a more sustainable future for architecture and construction.
