AssetID: 54572012
Headline: RAW VIDEO: Is This The Future Of Green Homes? Scientists Unveil The World’s First Mycelium-Insulated House
Caption: A revolutionary new eco-home built using mushroom roots has just been unveiled by Czech researchers – and it could change the future of sustainable living. Dubbed Samorost, the eye-catching structure is the first in the world to be insulated primarily with mycelium, the underground network of fungi. The groundbreaking innovation offers a biodegradable, low-carbon alternative to traditional materials like polystyrene – and experts say it could slash construction-related emissions. The compact house, measuring 3.04 x 7.14 metres and standing at 3.5 metres tall, was created using a staggering 1,800 kilograms of mycocomposite – a material derived from the reishi mushroom. This organic insulation not only keeps heat in and noise out but is also strong, lightweight, and naturally fire-resistant. Unlike fossil-fuel-based polystyrene, mycelium is completely biodegradable, dramatically cutting waste and carbon emissions. A life cycle assessment conducted by the University Centre for Energy Efficient Buildings in Prague found that mycocomposite has an environmental impact nearly 20 times lower than standard insulation materials. But this isn't just some wild eco-experiment. The house follows conventional building methods, including vapour barriers and waterproofing, making it a realistic alternative for future homes. Experts at the Czech Technical University and startup Mykilio have also been testing mycelium for furniture, interior panels, and even structural walls. However, the cutting-edge design did come with its challenges. Kateřina Sýsová, from the Czech Technical University and the MYMO Association, revealed how installing circular skylights was one of the trickiest parts of the build. "None of our team had experience with this kind of installation. We had to calculate the perfect fit – not too tight, but not so loose that heat would escape," she explained. "Experimenting is always a challenge, but there’s always a solution." And the numbers speak for themselves. Mycocomposite insulation is proving incredibly effective, meeting major construction standards while boasting fire resistance, adaptability, and sustainability. Despite its potential, researchers admit that mycelium isn't ready to replace everything just yet. It may not be suitable for external insulation in multi-storey buildings, where moisture exposure remains a challenge. But with growing EU sustainability initiatives and the race for greener materials heating up, it could be only a matter of time before mycelium takes over the industry. "We found that mycocomposite production has a nearly 20 times lower impact on climate change than polystyrene," said Jan Pešta from UCEEB. He added that mycocomposite’s global warming potential is just 0.17 kg CO2 per kg, compared to a shocking 4.15 kg for extruded polystyrene and 4.56 kg for expanded polystyrene. For now, the Samorost house is hitting the road, touring cities across the Czech Republic, including Prostějov, Jihlava, Pardubice, and Čęské Budějovice.
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