Samorost project

The first Czech house using mycocomposite as a key building material was completed in 2025. The Samorost project therefore turned laboratory research into a real building, which captured the attention of the Czech Republic and the world. Not only because of its original design and architectural appearance, but mainly because of what it proved. The message was clear: mycocomposite is the real face of sustainable construction.

The house is a wooden building insulated with mycocomposite panels. The material here serves as thermal and sound insulation, in the interior as design panelling and the basis for furniture. The structure was made using common technological procedures, including a vapour barrier and safety waterproofing. The aim was to verify that mycocomposite can be incorporated into standard construction practice without the need for major compromises.

The 3.04 × 7.14 metre structure resembles two parasol mushrooms growing in a forest. Approximately 1,800 kg of mycocomposite was used in them. The actual growing of the substrate took 21 days, the subsequent processing of the material took three months.

The project also included an LCA study prepared by UCEEB CTU. It confirmed significantly lower environmental impacts compared to polystyrene. The global warming potential for mycocomposite is 0.17 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of material, compared to 4.15 for extruded polystyrene and 4.56 for expanded polystyrene. The production of mycocomposite therefore has almost a 20 times lower impact on the climate.

The house was designed as a mobile structure that can serve as a glamping module or community centre.

We went on a roadshow around Czech cities with the Samorost house in 2025. We introduced the potential of mycocomposite material to the professional and general public and showed its possible uses in sustainable construction. Samorost visited Prostějov, České Budějovice, Jihlava, Pardubice and Prague. A workshop and lecture were held in eight other cities, illustrating the whole issue to attendees. In the same year, the Samorost house became one of the main attractions at the international FOR ARCH trade fair.

The Samorost experimental house is proof that mycocomposite is not just the material of the future. It is a material that can already be used in real construction.