The project explores the potential of mycelium-derived composite materials as a bio-contributing alternative to conventional coastal and fluvial flood defences. The project references Metabolist methodologies to create a series of part-based systems that are easily deployable and can be reconfigured depending on the topology of the landscape. The architecture uses a voxel scheme to create repositioned residential units that provide temporary accommodation to residents of low-lying floodplains.

The Myco-House is an intervention located in Rye, East Sussex, on the floodplains of the Tilling Green Estate. The residents of this area have minimal flood defences. The naturally occurring levees provide some mitigation, but these are often breached during flood events. The project’s architectural flood defence system uses a combination of height as a protective measure, combined with retention ponds that harbour water to lower the river discharge.

The project explores the potential of biomaterials as an alternative to alleviate the impacts of flooding. Mycelium acts as a naturally occurring binding agent to agriculture waste and decaying hardwood. The growth of the mycelium colonises waste substrate to form a compostable biomaterial with thermal similarities to polystyrene and the structural qualities of compressed cork. The system can be applied to river floodplains to defend the existing residential architecture whilst simultaneously promoting ecological growth and mycelial contaminate digestion.