Mycelium in Construction: the future of construction

As a potential construction material, mycelium has recently been researched as a natural fungi material. This material can act as natural glue because of its fast growth.

Alternative construction materials with a reduced environmental footprint have been promoted using mycelium composites. For construction applications, it is gaining increased interest and commercialization in Europe and the United States.

Define Mycelium

The mycelium of a fungus is its underground roots. Compostable, biodegradable, and organic, mycelium is 100 percent natural and organic. It is incredibly durable and fire, mold, and water resistant when dried.

Up to this point, mycelium has mainly been used in packaging. The company Ecovative Design has discovered ways to use mycelium for other purposes besides packaging. Their products include alternative meat products, animal-free leathers, and skin care products. Mycelium-based products can be made with varying textures, strengths, and porosities thanks to the fabrication process they use.

The ability of mycelium to regenerate rapidly sets it apart from other materials. In addition to being non-toxic, insulating, and all-natural, it can even be used for 3D printing. Design in the building industry could be revolutionized by mycelium.

Production of Mycelium

Mycelium grows around clean, organic waste by growing roots and fibers that digest the waste when it comes into contact with it. Mycelium finally solidifies into a solid block. Molds are then made from it after it has been broken up. In addition to packaging applications, these solid mycelium blocks can also be used to manufacture other mycelium composites.

In addition to producing furniture, insulating panels, and bricks with improved thermal and acoustic properties, mycelium products can also be molded. Different mycelium strains and substrates produce different mycelium products.

Why you need fungi in construction?

Buildings have an ever-increasing environmental impact, so the industry is in a unique position to explore cutting-edge technologies. We typically assume that when we hear the term technology, it refers to the technology within a building, such as HVAC units or smart thermostats. There are endless possibilities to discover innovative technologies that could influence future construction standards.

Uses of Mycelium as a Construction Material

It is used to create airtight insulating walls using mycelium. Wooden panels are used to package mushrooms. By growing and solidifying the loose particles, the mycelium creates an airtight sandwich and insulation.

In the early stages of development, mycelium is used in a number of small and temporary structures. When exposed to the environment, mycelium dries off and becomes inactive. Further research and development are required to achieve excellent functional characteristics for construction.

Sustainability

• There is a reduction in the use of fossil fuels, which is necessary to produce other materials like bricks, reinforcement bars, etc.
• Mycelium bricks require little to no embodied energy to manufacture.
• As mycelium bricks grow, expand, and contract over time, there is a significant reduction in building waste.
• The product is 100% biodegradable
• When sub-materials are used in the correct proportions, it is water-proof to a great extent.
• Eventually, they weave into each other in such a way that porosity is formed, resulting in good airflow and ventilation.
• High temperatures are conducive to mycelium fibre's aging, growth, and interweaving.
• As long as the proportions of the substrate material are accurate, it has the same structural integrity as concrete.

Merits of Mycelium

• Hence, temporary setups, installations can be easily erected and dismantled as needed. It is 100% biodegradable.
• In addition to being fireproof and non-toxic, mycelium tissue can trap more heat than fiberglass insulation.
• The porosity in the material makes it lighter when dried, but it is still stronger than concrete pound for pound.
• It does not take a lot of time to produce mycelium. This material can be produced quickly, cheaply, and easily.
• Since mycelium bricks spread rapidly when placed together, a bonding material is not required.
• Mycelium bricks can last approximately 20 years if maintained in favorable and stable conditions.

Demerits of Mycelium

• As mycelium bricks age, their ability to resist water decreases, making them vulnerable to mould and humidity.
• The resistance of mycelium bricks to water, humidity, and mould growth makes them unsuitable for long-term structures
• It is not necessary to coat mycelium bricks under normal climatic conditions, since they expand, contract, and relax with the weather and when they remain untouched. Mycelium bricks lose efficiency if they come into contact with the ground because moisture is absorbed.