The new pavilion by the Silver Hayes team at Glastonbury Festival 2023 is a remarkable and innovative structure constructed using mushroom roots, known as mycelium. The Silver Hayes team has unveiled the 6° project and aims to investigate how roots can be used more in creative industries.

Mycelium is the underground network of fine, thread-like structures that form the vegetative part of fungi. It has unique properties that allow it to bind and grow on various organic substrates, including agricultural waste. In the case of the pavilion, mycelium was grown and shaped into panels, providing a versatile and durable building material.

“Mycelium roots have hundreds of different strains, but we have chosen a particular strain that works well when you bind it with agricultural waste,” 

Ben Price Project lead (Source BBC)

The advantage of using mycelium is its low environmental impact. Unlike traditional construction materials, mycelium production requires minimal energy and resources. It can be cultivated using waste materials, such as straw or wood chips, reducing the need for virgin resources and diverting organic waste from landfills.

Furthermore, mycelium is biodegradable and compostable, making the pavilion fully recyclable at the end of its lifespan. It can even be returned to the soil as a nutrient-rich material. This aligns perfectly with the festival’s commitment to reducing waste and minimizing its ecological footprint.

The pavilion showcases the potential of sustainable architecture, pushing the boundaries of traditional construction methods. It serves as an inspiring example of how innovative materials can be used to create functional and aesthetically pleasing structures while prioritizing environmental considerations.

Beyond its environmental benefits, the mycelium pavilion also provides an immersive and unique experience for festival-goers. The texture and appearance of the material create an intriguing visual display, blending harmoniously with the festival’s vibrant and creative atmosphere.

By embracing the mycelium pavilion, Glastonbury Festival not only showcases the possibilities of sustainable design but also raises awareness about alternative construction practices that can contribute to a more sustainable future. The pavilion stands as a symbol of innovation, showing once again we do have the solutions, we just need to implement them much more in today’s architecture.

A documentary will be released at the end of the project, following Glastonbury Festival.