Mycelium insulates experimental timber pavilion by Myceen and EKA PAKK

Insulation panels made utilizing mycelium and a modular timber building system had been used to create PAKK Pavilion, an angular timber construction in Tallinn, developed by supplies firm Myceen and the structure division on the Estonian Academy of Arts.

PAKK Pavilion is getting used to subject check and showcase insulation panels developed by Myceen from mycelium – a biomaterial that kinds the foundation methods of fungi.

The experimental construction was in-built collaboration with EKA PAKK, the timber analysis centre inside the College of Structure on the Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA).

Myceen has beforehand used mycelium-based supplies within the design of a sequence of pendant lampshades, however that is its first time utilizing them as constructing merchandise, with the intention of providing a sustainable different to mineral wool or expanded polystyrene insulation.

Generally known as mycocomposite, Myceen’s panels use the expansion of mycelium as a pure binder for industrial residues corresponding to sawdust and wooden pulp, earlier than halting its progress by means of a specialised drying methodology.

“Speaking with architects, builders and prefab home producers round Europe has given us confidence that the fabric is required available in the market,” mentioned Myceen CEO and co-founder Siim Karro.

EKA PAKK led the development of the pavilion itself, utilizing analysis from two of its ongoing tasks, named Sample Constructing and sLender.

Sample Constructing is an open-source, modular timber building system developed by the college to be simple to disassemble, modify or develop relying on necessities. In the meantime, sLender is a facade system.

For the pavilion’s construction, ash dieback timber was used to create a cubic body, which was then clad in planks of timber.

The sLender facade system, which supplies PAKK Pavilion its distinctive angular look, was developed as a method of countering the danger of “homogenisation” within the refurbishment of Estonia’s ageing housing inventory.

The lozenge-shaped, modular timber sections are designed to over-clad current constructions, offering improved insulation, balconies, in addition to elevator and stair modules.

Studio Weave’s Clever Backyard pavilion options fluted mycelium facade

Within the PAKK Pavilion, these modules wrap a terrace on the entrance of the construction, in addition to a straight staircase that leads as much as a roof terrace.

Inside this modular construction, Myceen’s mycocomposite insulation panels will likely be examined till the top of 2026 to evaluate their thermal efficiency and mildew danger.

“Preliminary outcomes reveal no condensation or mould dangers, demonstrating glorious moisture administration for our biocomposites,” mentioned Myceen’s head of science Killu Leet.

“Moreover, measured U-values point out superior thermal resistance in comparison with mineral wool underneath the identical circumstances,” she added.

Mycelium additionally lately featured in a pavilion designed by London apply Studio Weave, panorama designer Tom Massey and furnishings designer Sebastian Cox, the place it was used to bind agricultural waste from Cox’s apply right into a sequence of textured facade panels.

Different tasks on Dezeen that make use of the biomaterial embody a “first-of-its-kind” mycelium-insulated stage at Glastonbury and a restaurant in Ukraine that makes use of it as curtains.

The pictures is courtesy of Myceen.