Third Place Winner
MycoHaven: A Sustainable Home Rooted in Mycelium
Design by
Daniela Mederos, Megan Rodriguez
“The project demonstrates a strong integration of biophilic elements. The use of organic forms inspired by fungi, the inclusion of greenery both indoors and outdoors, and the natural lighting are all elements that foster a connection with nature.”
-Antonella Marzi
Daniela Mederos, Megan Rodriguez
Daniela Mederos:
Daniela Mederos, born in Santiago, Chile to Cuban parents, relocated to Miami, Florida at the age of 12. Currently a graduate student at Florida International University, she is pursuing her master's degree in Architecture. Her passion lies in the creative process of architecture and its ability to positively impact people's interaction with the physical world. Post-graduation, she aspires to design spaces that promote connections between people and their environment, focusing on enhancing the psychological well-being of occupants.
Megan Rodriguez:
Megan Rodriguez, originally from Miami, Florida, is currently completing her Master's degree in Architecture at Florida International University. Driven by a passion for creative design, her goal is to design spaces that foster a harmonious relationship between people and their environment. Through innovative and sustainable design, she aims to positively impact lives and communities, bridging the gap between individuals and their surroundings.
Celebrating Creativity & Vision
Winner’s Spotlight: An Exclusive Interview
Discover the story behind the victory — from concept to creation.
Could you share your initial inspiration behind your design concept for this competition?
The initial inspiration behind our design concept for this competition stemmed from the remarkable symbiotic relationship between fungi and their surrounding environment. By observing the adaptive features of fungi morphology and functionality, we sought to emulate this relationship within residential living spaces. Our goal was to create a design that seamlessly integrated with the natural landscape while offering sustainable, comfortable living conditions for occupants.
Biophilic integration was a central theme of this competition. How did you approach incorporating biophilic elements into your design to enhance the well-being and comfort of the residents?
Biophilic integration was central to our approach in enhancing the well-being and comfort of residents. We meticulously incorporated elements such as natural light, organic shapes, and native landscaping to create a harmonious connection between indoor and outdoor environments. Circular windows and a courtyard inspired by fungi growth patterns fostered a sense of being immersed in nature, promoting mental health and overall satisfaction with the living space.
Sustainability was a key aspect of the competition objectives. Can you elaborate on the eco-friendly materials, energy systems, and water conservation strategies you implemented in your design?
Sustainability was a key focus of our design, reflected in our choice of eco-friendly materials, energy systems, and water conservation strategies. When it comes to materiality, for the main body of our project we incorporated panels inoculated with mycelium to allow the underground portion to integrate into the existing forest mycelial network. For energy systems, the partial underground design leveraged the insulating properties of soil, reducing the need for artificial heating and cooling. Additionally, the soft robotic inflatable system provided passive climate control, further minimizing energy consumption. We addressed water conservation strategies by incorporating Native plant species in the courtyard, which minimizes the need for artificial irrigation and supports local ecosystems.
Functionality and comfort were highlighted as important criteria. How did you ensure that your design provided a functional layout, ample storage, and comfortable living areas while prioritizing biophilic principles?
Each space was designed with both practicality and aesthetics in mind, offering ample storage options and comfortable living environments infused with natural elements. The form of our project created rounded interior spaces so we were mindful of acomating the size of living spaces to that specific condition. We also design custom furniture and railings to fit the interior contours of the project. Furthermore, we paid particular attention to the circulation areas. We incorporated mycelium-like structures to envelop the corridors to facilitate a seamless movement throughout the home while reinforcing the connection to nature.
Considering the urban context, what challenges did you face in integrating nature-inspired elements into an urban environment, and how did you overcome them?
Integrating nature-inspired elements into an urban environment presented challenges such as space limitations and existing infrastructure constraints. We overcame these challenges by creatively adapting our design to fit within the urban context while still preserving the essence of biophilic principles. Our chosen location was surrounded by single-family homes so we reimagined the “traditional” single-family home incorporating fungi morphology and functionality. Additionally, we incorporated green spaces, native vegetation, and organic forms which help mitigate the urban setting's impact, creating a sanctuary of natural tranquility within the cityscape.
Aesthetics played a significant role in this competition. How did you strike a balance between modern design aesthetics and the organic qualities of biophilic elements in your design?
Striking a balance between modern design aesthetics and the organic qualities of biophilic elements was achieved through careful attention to detail and thoughtful integration. We employed contemporary materials and construction techniques while incorporating organic shapes, textures, and colors inspired by nature. This synthesis created a visually appealing and cohesive design that harmonized with both urban and natural environments.
Reflecting on the competition experience, what were the most rewarding aspects of participating in Yearning to Breathe 2023, and how do you think this competition has influenced your approach to architecture and design?
The most rewarding aspect of participating in Yearning to Breathe 2023 was the opportunity to explore innovative approaches to architecture and design that prioritizes sustainability and well-being. This competition has influenced our approach by reaffirming the importance of biophilic design principles in creating spaces that not only function efficiently but also nurture the human spirit and foster environmental stewardship.
Looking ahead, how do you envision the impact of biophilic design on urban living, and what role do you see architects and designers playing in promoting this approach to sustainable and harmonious urban development?
Looking ahead, we envision biophilic design playing a crucial role in shaping the future of urban living by promoting sustainable, harmonious environments that prioritize human health and well-being. Architects and designers have a responsibility to advocate for and implement biophilic principles in urban development, integrating nature into the built environment to enhance the quality of life and mitigate the negative impacts of urbanization on both people and the planet. Through continued innovation and collaboration, we can create cities that are not only resilient and sustainable but also vibrant, livable spaces that reconnect inhabitants with the natural world.
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