HOME: Wood-Mycelium Composites for CO₂-Neutral, Circular Interior Construction and Fittings

Abstract

Office and retail interior fittings have a relatively short service life of 5-7 years. In this context, composite materials are often used, hindering possibilities of reuse or recycling. This research explores novel bio-composite materials and subsequently a construction method for CO2-neutral, circular interior fittings for office spaces. Based on the potential of fungal mycelium as a rapidly renewable, regenerative, affordable, low-carbon building material, bio-composite construction methods are explored in conjunction with timber-based additive manufacturing using continuous fibres. As mycelium has potentially excellent sound-absorbing properties but low load-bearing capacity, composite construction of timber veneer and mycelium allows to increase the structural capabilities of resulting components, while relying entirely on bio-based value chains. We describe the production process as well as the material development, including robotically aided processes for additive manufacturing of veneer reinforcement grids and compatibility studies of different mycelial species and substrates, and their bonding capabilities with veneer. We further present initial results on the mechanical characterization of the composite material, and its comparison to conventional mycelium composites. Minimal structural, acoustic, and functional requirements for different interior fitting elements are studied and compared to the characteristics of the proposed composite, highlighting the range of applications of the presented wood-mycelium composites.

Mechanical, physical and thermal properties of composite materials produced with the basidiomycete Fomes fomentarius

“…Importantly, combined sandwich models, e.g. unpressed composites surrounded by pressed particleboards or wood panels, or alternatively, reinforced grid structures obtained via 3D printing of bioplastics or recycled concrete could be viable approaches to increase load-bearing capacities of Fomes composites [ 27 ].…”

Fabricate 2024

“…2). In this context, non-structural partition walls have been identified as some of the building components with the shortest lifespans, often relying on the use of synthetic composite materials that are difficult to reuse or recycle (Rossi et al, 2022). These elements usually consist of panels with a height of 3-4m and 1m width, and a total wall thickness of around 10-12cm.…”