The exhibition “Into the Depths of Fungi” continues at CZU
The exhibition of the SAMOROST project “Into the Depths of Fungi” continues, thanks to the great interest of the public. After a successful launch in the gallery of the National Technical Library, the exhibition, which reveals the fascinating possibilities of using subsoil in sustainable construction, is moving to the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague. Until 17 January 2025, it will be open free of charge to students and teachers of the Czech University of Life Sciences as well as to the general public. The main attraction is the SAMOROST quarter of the house, which shows how mycelium can be used as an insulating and cladding material in construction. The exhibition also presents innovative methods of using mycocomposite in the landscape.
The project is supported by the CS Building Savings Bank Burinka (member of Erste Group) in cooperation with the MYMO association.
Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, atrium of Faculty of Environmental Sciences, Kamýcká 129, Prague – Suchdol (1st floor)
From 25 November 2024 to 17 January 2025
“Into the Depths” on view until 17 January 2025
The exhibition “Into the Depths of Fungi” of the SAMOROST project shows more than the beauty and originality of the natural mycelium-based material – it also demonstrates its real use in our sustainable future. It charts the journey of mycelium from the forest to a revolutionary building material. The exhibition was inaugurated on 16 October 2024 in the gallery of the National Technical Library (NTK). During its month-long run at the NTK, it received tremendous interest from the academic sector, vocational high schools and the general public.
“The exhibition Into the Depths of Fungi is not over yet! We have decided to extend it and move it to Suchdol to bring it closer to the students and teachers of the Faculty of Environmental Sciences and the entire Czech University of Life Sciences. Mycelium has a wide application not only in construction and design, but also in landscaping, which can be inspiring and beneficial for students. We believe that this exhibition will stimulate creative thinking and enrich existing projects with the theme of sustainability with new perspectives,” explains Monika Kopřivová from CS Building Savings Bank Burinka.
Smell the exhibits
The exhibition takes you into a world where nature meets innovation. The scent of the forest and the unique beauty of products imprinted with nature create a unique atmosphere. A key element is the illustration of the production process of the mycocomposite material, from the delicate hyphae of the glossy cork, to the substrates suitable for its growth, to the final products. The main exhibit is the SAMOROST quarter of the house, which demonstrates the use of mycelium in construction as thermal and acoustic insulation and designer cladding. You can also see furniture and interior accessories made from mycocomposite, such as a café table, stools with a table and wall paintings.
“The Into the Depths of Fungi exhibition is an excellent example of the connection between science, nature, design and innovation. It is inspiring for our students and teachers to see mycelium not only as a basic component of fungi, but also as a biodegradable material that contributes to environmental protection and fulfils the principles of the bioeconomy. We are delighted to host this unique exhibition and be part of the discussion on sustainable solutions for the future, and not only in the construction industry,” says Kateřina Černý Pixová, Vice Dean for Strategy at the Faculty of Environmental Sciences.
The exhibits are accompanied by technical information that explains how the SAMOROST house was designed and also shows the possible uses of mycocomposite in the landscape. This biodegradable material can improve soil quality, serve as boxes for seedlings or as ecological bricks to reinforce slopes.
There is no “don’t touch” policy in the exhibition “Into the Depths of Fungi”. On the contrary, visitors are invited to experience the mycelium-based material through different senses – smell it, touch it, even sit on it.
Inspiration for manufacturers
The exhibition and the entire SAMOROST project aim to inspire and convince manufacturers in the construction industry to incorporate mycocomposite material into industrial production. The key to this is to gain the trust of the general public, who may become future users of this innovative material.
About SAMOROST
The SAMOROST project was launched in April 2023 with the aim of finding a suitable way to implement the subfloor-based material in the construction industry, thus supporting its sustainable development. The project is backed by CS Building Savings Bank Burinka (member of Erste Group) and the MYMO association.
2023 was the year of matter and design. Experts involved in the project investigated mycocomposite and carried out a series of tests to verify its properties. The results of the tests yielded crucial information: mycocomposite can replace non-organic materials (e.g. polystyrene) that are commonly used in the construction industry. The highlight of 2023 was the exhibition of furniture and interior accessories made from mycocomposite at the international Designblok festival. The aim was to show that mycocomposite also has a place in design.
In 2024, project representatives announced that they have started production of the SAMOROST house, which will demonstrate the possibilities of mycelium involvement in sustainable construction. The house will be completed by the end of the year and will be presented to the public in 2025.
The creation of the SAMOROST House was supported by the Minister of the Environment Petr Hladík by granting patronage.
Who is MYMO?
The MYMO association brings together personalities from the field of research who have set themselves the goal of laying the foundations of mycelial architecture in the Czech Republic. These are experts from the Institute of Model Design of the Faculty of Architecture of the Czech Technical University (Molab) and experts from the company Mykilio. It is for this purpose that Kateřina Sýsová, Karolína Petřeková, Petra Jašicová, Jiří Vele, Matěj Róth, Jakub Seifert and Tomasz Kloza are researching and developing a material based on mycelium mushrooms. At the same time, together with Burinka, they want to raise awareness of the potential of mycelium in construction among the professional and lay public.
About the CS Building Savings Bank Burinka (member of Erste Group)
For 30 years, CS Building Savings Bank Burninka has been providing clients with advantageous building savings and housing loans, including comprehensive financial advice. In short, helping to turn a house into a home. One current focus is financing sustainable renovations. The reconstruction bank’s profile is reflected not only in its product and service offering, but also in its communication. The experience of renovating the house of foster parents in Central Bohemia was described by Burinka in the Reconstruction Guide. It is also a sponsor of the programme “Action: Reconstruction” which is broadcast on Czech Television.
As a building society, CS Building Savings Bank Burinka also feels a commitment to the construction industry, which it fulfils by supporting innovative processes and materials used in the construction of houses. For more information on our projects carried out to support science and research in the construction industry, please visit www.inovaceodburinky.cz/en.
Contact for media
Monika Kopřivová
External Communications Manager of building savings bank Burinka (meber of Erste group)
E-mail: monika.koprivova@burinka.cz
Mobile: +420 724 097 666