Monolito Micelio
A mushroom monolithic vault prototype structure
Georgia Institute of Technology | School of Architecture
Design Critic Jonathan Dessi-Olive
Course Thick and Thin Elective | Spring 2018
Location Atlanta, Georgia
Construction team Roberto Bucheli, Chao Dang, Bennett Crawford, Keyhan Khaki, Anna Mccuan, Sean Miller, Sounok Sarkar, Matt Singleton, Justin Wilson
This cooperative research + construction project pushed forward the advancement of mycelium construction techniques, culminating in a large-scale prototype structure showcasing a monolithic mycelium vault. Mycelium, the vegetative root system of mushrooms, has emerged as a promising contender for commercially viable building materials.
As a natural, low-energy production material, mycelium offers lightweight and biodegradable properties. Previous attempts at architectural-scale mycelium construction have primarily employed brick type aggregations. In contrast, this project achieved a self-supporting mycelium structure grown directly in place, mirroring conventional monolithic construction practices for cast-in-place concrete.
*All photos by Jonathan Dessi-Olive and Keyhan Khaki, 2023, via https://jdovaults.com and www.keyhankhaki.com
ReSEARCH
The initial phase of this project focused on comprehending the intricacies of mycelium cultivation and activation. This was followed by rigorous testing to optimize mycelium growth conditions. Subsequently, a small-scale self-supporting arched structure was constructed using 3D modeling software Rhino and RhinoVault. This iterative approach enabled the team to refine their understanding of mycelium's potential as a construction material.
CONSTRUCTION/FABRICATION
The subsequent stage entailed validating the mycelium construction method through a full-scale prototype, measuring approximately 8' x 8' x 8'. The structural mold was prefabricated within the digital fabrication lab and subsequently transported to the final site utilizing industrial swivel casters. Over the following days, the entire team collaborated to produce mycelium material and meticulously cast and pack it into the mold. This hands-on approach enabled the team to gain valuable insights into the feasibility of mycelium as a large-scale building material.
