Imagine a world where buildings don't just stand tall—they actually grow from the earth, breathe with the wind, and eventually return to the soil without leaving a harmful footprint. That's the groundbreaking vision behind Yong Ju Lee's Mycelial Hut, a pioneering project in Seoul that's redefining architecture as we know it. But here's where it gets controversial: what if this means ditching the concrete and steel that have defined modern construction for generations? Stick around, because this innovative pavilion might just change how you think about sustainability in design.
Yong Ju Lee, through his firm Yong Ju Lee Architecture, is at the forefront of bio-grown architecture, harnessing the power of mycelium to create living structures. The Mycelial Hut, an experimental pavilion located in Seoul, delves deeply into the possibilities of mycelium—a vast, underground fungal network that weaves through organic matter, binding it together and promoting regeneration—as a viable, large-scale material for construction. For beginners wondering what mycelium really is, think of it as the root system of mushrooms, a natural web that decomposes dead plants and recycles nutrients in forests. This project pushes the boundaries by blending robotic 3D printing with the wonders of biological growth, essentially cultivating architecture in a way that's as alive as it is built.
At its core, the pavilion features a sturdy wooden frame that ensures structural integrity, wrapped in panels made entirely from mycelium. Each of these panels is nurtured within custom 3D-printed molds, meticulously shaped by industrial robotic arms and infused with a carefully chosen substrate. Before diving into full-scale production, the team conducted extensive tests on various mycelium blends, evaluating factors like how quickly they grow, their density, and how well they hold up structurally. This hands-on research highlights the precision needed to turn a living fungus into a reliable building component, much like how farmers select seeds for the best crop yields.
Images courtesy of Yong Ju Lee Architecture
The Mycelial Hut isn't just constructed—it's designed to live, respire, and eventually break down in harmony with nature. In today's world, where the architecture and construction industries are among the biggest contributors to global carbon emissions, this hut champions a radical shift in materials. Concrete and steel have long been the go-to symbols of progress and economic efficiency, but their environmental toll is increasingly unbearable, leading to pollution and climate strain. Yong Ju Lee Architecture, with bases in Seoul and New York, pivots toward organism-derived composites—materials that are not only biodegradable and recyclable but also regenerative, questioning the very essence of true sustainability. And this is the part most people miss: unlike traditional buildings that outlast generations but harm the planet, these bio-based creations could inspire structures that actively heal ecosystems.
Developed in partnership with the Robotic Fabrication Studio at Seoul National University of Science and Technology, and set up in the expansive grounds of SeoulTech’s campus, the Mycelial Hut represents a tangible leap into bio-integrated architecture. It emerges directly from its surroundings, making eco-friendly design feel real and immediate. Visitors can envision a future where edifices aren't assembled in factories but grown like gardens, pulsating with life, fully decomposable, and intricately connected to the natural cycles that support them.
Designed by Yong Ju Lee Architecture and developed in collaboration with the Robotic Fabrication Studio
The Mycelial Hut is an experimental pavilion that investigates the potential of mycelium
the project explores how architecture can be cultivated through a hybrid process
Now, let's stir the pot a bit: while mycelium-based building sounds revolutionary, skeptics might argue that relying on fungus for major structures could be unreliable or too niche to scale up against proven materials like steel. After all, how do we ensure these living buildings withstand weather extremes or heavy use without constant maintenance? And what about the ethical debates around genetically modifying mycelium or the potential over-reliance on technology like robotic printing, which could widen inequality in access to such innovations? Do you think this bio-grown approach is the future of green architecture, or is it just a trendy experiment that overlooks practical realities? We'd love to hear your thoughts—agree, disagree, or share your own wild ideas in the comments below!
