In the two previous articles on the subject of mushrooms, we took a closer look at their potential in our diet, particularly as a meat substitute (Part 1), and their ability to filter pollutants from the environment (Part 2). And now we will introduce you to a no less interesting area of application for this all-round talent: Mushrooms as a building material!
Sustainable building with mushrooms
Researchers and innovators around the globe are currently working on the question: could buildings and cities be made and constructed from mushrooms in the future? What sounds like utopia so far is recognized by many experts as a promising development for the construction industry.
What makes mushrooms so special as a building material?
The main task of the fungus is basically to act as a “biological glue”. The mycelium, the underground root network of the fungus, is primarily responsible for this property. The mycelium is first of all mixed with a nutrient medium consisting of organic substrates such as grain residues, wood shavings or hemp fibers. The fungus decomposes and feeds on the cellulose in the culture medium. During growth, the mycelium penetrates the entire material and forms a dense, three-dimensional network. This soft, dense substance can now be molded into any shape. Finally, the mushroom mass is heated, which stops the growth and the mushroom dies. By adding additives such as hemp or flax, the material properties such as porosity, strength and elasticity can be controlled, resulting in a light and robust bio-based composite material that can be adapted to specific requirements.
So far, a great deal of research has been carried out into this new material and its potential. Mushrooms are already being used in a variety of ways as a building material, particularly in areas such as insulation, as mycelium is light, insulating and environmentally friendly. In addition, experimental building blocks and designer furniture are made from mushroom materials, which are impressively lightweight yet stable. One example of this is the Italian company mogu, which produces insulating and floor panels made from mushrooms that also look stylish. Initial architectural projects, such as pavilions and prototype houses, demonstrate the load-bearing capacity and potential of the material.
In the future, experts hope to establish mycelium as a fully-fledged building material in sustainable buildings and use it more widely to reduce the ecological footprint.
Why are mushrooms considered an environmentally friendly building material?
Mushrooms offer numerous ecological advantages as a building material: Mycelium grows quickly and requires little energy. It is used in combination with plant waste (e.g. from agriculture) such as wood chips or grain residues, which is entirely in line with the circular economy and recycling. In contrast to concrete and steel, which release considerable amounts of CO₂ during production and consume resources such as sand and gravel, mycelium is climate-friendly and available everywhere – and the organic aggregates from agricultural waste are just as readily available. The mushroom material is also biodegradable and can be composted after use, which helps to reduce waste. Furthermore, the cultivation of mushrooms is simple and does not require any agricultural land – this reduces dependency on exports and reduces transportation routes, which could make mycelium a central building block for sustainable construction in the future.
Conclusion
In summary, building with mushrooms offers an exciting and innovative opportunity to make the construction industry more sustainable. Despite existing challenges, such as the need to further develop production scales, ongoing research shows promising progress. The unique properties and ecological compatibility of mushroom building materials open up new avenues for creative and environmentally friendly architecture. The future of building with mushrooms therefore holds great potential for making tomorrow’s construction methods more environmentally conscious and resource-efficient.