Basics of Building With Mycelium-Based Bio-Composites

Abstract

Mycelium-based composites (MBC) are biomaterials presenting renewable and bio-degradable alternatives for a wide range of design and manufacturing processes, including the building industry. MBC result from the incomplete growth of mycelium, fibrous root systems of fungi. They can turn urban and agricultural waste into high-end products. Existing research shows that MBC can reduce fossil fuels’ reliance and embodied energy and decrease building waste. Architects recently designed and built a wide range of experimental projects with MBC. In parallel, there is a growing body of work on MBC by scholars from different disciplines, such as mycology, material science, and mechanical engineering, focusing on assessing and enhancing the material properties of MBC for various applications. In this paper, we first provide essential knowledge on the cultivation of MBC for architectural applications. Next, we analyze some of the prominent architectural prototypes with MBC to exemplify the architectural potentials of MBC and uncover the constraints and affordances of this biomaterial when used in an architectural context. Finally, we review and synthesize the existing literature on MBC from different disciplines providing a guide for architects to cultivate and enhance the material properties of MBC for architectural goals.

Mycelium-Based Composites: Surveying Their Acceptance by Professional Architects

“…Popularizing biomaterials among architects can increase their use in construction, perhaps in new forms and ideas. Almpani-Lekka et al [ 34 ] and Ghazvinian and Gursoy [ 48 ] findings support this claim. These authors noted that architects have recently designed and constructed various experimental projects using mycelium-based composites (MBCs).…”

“…The least aesthetic was considered to be the form of project number 4 (Mycotectural Alpha), followed by projects 6 (Shell Mycelium Pavilion) and 8 (Monolito Mycelio). It is worth emphasizing that large-scale objects are challenges due to insufficient (but still improving [ 48 ]) material strength. Dessi-Olive presents two fabrication strategies for growing large building units; these strategies are based on myco-welded slabs [ 13 ].…”

A Review Delving into the Factors Influencing Mycelium-Based Green Composites (MBCs) Production and Their Properties for Long-Term Sustainability Targets

“…Ensuring proper drying is crucial for attaining the desired strength, durability, and dimensional stability of MBCs. Among the most prevalent methods for the dehydration and densification of MBCs post-incubation are hot-pressing and oven drying, often resulting in notable enhancements of their properties [23,60,140].…”

“…Enhancing properties in MBCs requires meticulous optimization and balance of various factors throughout the production process to improve the material's strength, durability, and overall performance [3,23]. Key considerations, such as substrate selection and formulation, fungal species selection, controlled growth conditions, optimized nutrient content, mold design, and pressing techniques, as well as other factors related to inoculum type and microbial contamination control, are essential aspects to consider in the production processes [23,24,33,140,153]. Moreover, there is a growing interest in exploring additional approaches to further improve the properties of MBCs.…”

“…This is particularly applicable to materials used in semi-construction (building) and furniture that require strength-bearing properties [24,33,150]. However, the heat may induce some level of color change in the MBCs, potentially transitioning to a gradient from grey to brown [140]. Previous studies have reported various heat pressing conditions for MBCs production, such as temperatures of 250 • C for 20 min [142], pressures less than 30 kN at 150 • C for 20 min [33], pressures of 3.5-4.0 MPa at 160 • C for 6 min [151], and pressures of 20 MPa at 120 • C for 20 min [152].…”