Mycelial Hut: Large-scale mycelium-based construction enabled by robotic technology

Throughout the environmental crisis, including the pandemic era, innovative and significant approaches have emerged to redefine the concept of sustainability in the architectural field. In particular, the utilization of bio-composites has been an area of exploration involving the investigation of mycelium as an architectural material across various scales and functions. In this context, the Mycelial Hut project explores the large-scale construction of mycelium application as an architectural material through a custom mold incorporating robotic 3D printing techniques. This design-based research is a biohybrid pavilion with wooden frames serving a structural role and custom mycelium skins for the outer panelling system. Various types of mycelium-based composites were tested in the earlier stages to determine their workability, growth, and strength, which were subsequently utilized to fabricate the desired mold geometry. Ultimately, a custom workflow, incorporating an industrial robotic arm, was established to fabricate large scale-molds, combining digital and natural production processes. This pavilion project demonstrates the possibility of large-scale construction with biocomposite, addressing challenges associated with existing mycelium applications. Presenting an ambitious result located in a public park, it directly embraces the new concept of eco-friendly architecture in everyday life.