Myceen's Mycelium Insulation Takes Centre Stage in Estonian Experimental Pavilion
- Marc Violo
- 42 minutes ago
- 2 min read
In a timber structure on the outskirts of Tallinn, fungi are once again demonstrating their potential to reshape how buildings are insulated. The PAKK Pavilion, a collaboration between materials company Myceen and EKA PAKK, the timber research centre at the Estonian Academy of Arts, is putting mycelium-based insulation to the test in real-world conditions.
A Natural Solution to Industrial Waste
Mycelium, the thread-like root system of fungi, has long intrigued scientists for its binding properties. Myceen's mycocomposit innovation harnesses this natural adhesive quality to bind industrial residues such as sawdust and wood pulp. Once the mycelium has sufficiently colonised these waste materials, a specialised drying method halts its growth, creating rigid insulation panels.
The approach offers a potential alternative to conventional insulation materials like mineral wool or expanded polystyrene, both of which carry environmental costs. Siim Karro, Myceen's CEO and co-founder, notes that conversations with architects, builders, and prefabricated house producers across Europe have suggested genuine market demand for such materials.
Testing Performance in the Field
For Myceen, the pavilion represents a significant step beyond design objects. While the company previously experimented with mycelium in pendant lampshades, PAKK Pavilion marks its first venture into building products. The structure will function as a testing facility through the end of 2026, with researchers monitoring thermal performance and mould risk.
Early indications appear promising. Killu Leet, Myceen's head of science, reports that preliminary results show no condensation or mould risks, indicating effective moisture management. Measured U-values, a standard metric for thermal resistance, suggest the panels outperform mineral wool under identical conditions.
A Modular Framework for Innovation
The pavilion itself showcases another experimental system. EKA PAKK constructed the angular timber structure using Pattern Building, an open-source modular timber construction system designed for easy disassembly and modification. The distinctive exterior comes from sLender, a facade system developed to address concerns about uniformity in Estonia's housing refurbishment projects.
The frame uses ash dieback timber, wood from diseased trees that would otherwise go to waste, fitted with lozenge-shaped timber modules. These sections were originally conceived as over-cladding for existing structures, providing not just insulation but also balconies and access modules. In the pavilion, they wrap around a terrace and staircase leading to a roof deck, with Myceen's insulation panels fitted within.
Broader Momentum in Biomaterials
The PAKK Pavilion joins a growing collection of projects exploring mycelium's architectural potential. Recent applications include a pavilion by London practice Studio Weave that used the material to bind agricultural waste into textured facade panels, a mycelium-insulated stage at Glastonbury, and even curtains in a Ukrainian restaurant.
Whether these materials can scale from experimental pavilions to widespread construction remains an open question. Yet the willingness of architects, researchers, and materials companies to invest time and resources into such experiments suggests that bio-based alternatives are being taken seriously. For now, the PAKK Pavilion stands as both demonstration and laboratory, a place where fungi might prove their worth in addressing the built environment's sustainability challenges.