MYCELIUM MAISON

  • Prize
    Winner in Architectural Design - Speculative and Visionary
  • Company/Firm
    JS Designs
  • Lead Designer
    Jainika Shah

Nestled in the capitol forest of Washington, the design draws its inspiration from the intertwining threads of mycelium, long thread like mushroom roots. Mimicking the growth of mycelium, the intent of the design was to integrate the built space with the surrounding landscape while exploring the interplay of humans. The architecture feels like it’s diffusing and developing freely. The generative and ever evolving form resembles the growth of a mushroom. The surrounding landscape is interwoven with the interior spaces thus blurring the boundaries between the two. The interior spaces are segregated as well as blended, creating a natural flow between the spaces. The large opening and windows provide a panoramic view of the lake and evergreen vegetation. The house tries to seek balance between built spaces and the surroundings and is designed with sustainability in mind. Natural vegetation is used as external shading to reduce the overall solar heat gain during summers while providing a barrier from the cold winds during winter. Passive and active climate control strategies have been utilized to provide optimal thermal, acoustic, and lighting comfort.

Bio
Jainika is an internationally experienced architectural designer currently based in San Diego, California. With over 8 years of experience, Jainika has honed her skills by delivering a diverse range of projects across USA and India. Throughout her career she has overseen production and design of different architectural marvels while providing user and client satisfaction. Her mission has always been to create meaningful designs that add value to the existing community. Her consistent dedication has earned her great recognition in her field.

Other prizes
French Design Awards, 2024 (Concept Design Category) French Design Awards, 2024 (Architectural Design Category) Muse Design Awards, 2024 (Concept Design Category) Houzee Awards, 2024 (Sustainable Design) Houzee Awards, 2024 (Architectural Design)