Into the Depths of the Mushroom: Prague exhibition showcases house made of mycelium
An exhibition exploring the fascinating world of mushrooms is currently on display at the National Technical Library in Prague. Titled Do hloubi houby, or Into the Depths of the Mushroom, the exhibition presents the potential uses of mycelium in construction, architecture and design.
When most people think of mushrooms, they picture the cap and stem visible above the ground. However, the primary structure of a mushroom, known as the mycelium, is hidden underground as a network of fungal cells.
In recent years, scientists have been investigating mycelium as a sustainable building material, which has a potential to replace non-organic materials commonly used in construction for insulation, foams, acoustic tiles and packaging.
One such project is the SAMOROST house, developed by the MYMO Association in together with the Buřinka building savings bank. Visitors to the National Technical Library can now view a cross-section of this house, which features mycelium-based thermal insulation, as part of an exhibition displayed in its gallery.
Matěj Róth, CEO of Mykilio—a technology hub focused on developing mycelium-based materials and a collaborator on the SAMOROST project—explains the advantages of mycelium over conventional materials like polystyrene:
“Due to its cellular structure, mycelium is an excellent insulator. It is also naturally fire-retardant, catching fire more slowly than other materials like wood. Additionally, it offers a way to upcycle waste materials, such as sawdust, by transforming them into something useful.”
Known as "natural glue," mycelium not only decomposes and binds materials in nature but also serves as a robust bonding agent for industrial materials. Róth describes the process of creating an artificial myco-composite:
“To start, we need a substrate containing cellulose and lignin that will nourish the mushroom. After sterilizing the substrate to remove other microorganisms, we inoculate it with the mushroom. Once the mycelium colonizes the substrate, we grind the material—still alive—and shape it in molds, where it reconnects and solidifies.”
After the mold is removed, the myco-composite is treated by heat to deactivate it, ensuring it no longer grows. It can then undergo final treatment, like water-proofing or coloring.
In case of the SAMOROST house, the mycelium is used for the insulation, which is complemented with a wooden support structure. The house, designed by a student from Prague’s Faculty of Architecture, resembles two parasol mushrooms, and a full prototype is expected to be completed next year.
Beyond the SAMOROST project, the exhibition also features furniture and interior accessories made from myco-composite, including lampshades and wall cladding. Visitors can also see mycelium molds that were used by the Czech design studio LLEV to create unique drinking glasses and vases, which received an award at last year’s Designblok.
