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A review on architecture with fungal biomaterials: the desired and the feasible

Summary

This review examines how mushroom mycelium can be used as a sustainable building material to reduce the construction industry’s carbon footprint. Six notable architectural projects from 2014-2021 demonstrate different approaches to using mycelium-based blocks and panels for constructing pavilions and temporary structures. The research shows that while mycelium composites offer environmental benefits and exciting design possibilities, they typically need reinforcement with traditional materials and careful production control to be effective in larger structures.

Background

The building sector is responsible for 38% of energy-related CO2 emissions. Architecture and construction industries are shifting toward sustainable practices using innovative ecological materials that follow circular economy principles. Fungal biomaterials, particularly mycelium-based composites, have emerged as promising alternatives for construction over the last decade.

Objective

This review provides an overview of progress in fungal architecture during the last 10 years, focusing on six significant architectural projects that demonstrate unique elements and innovative applications of fungal biomaterials. The study examines different design strategies, fabrication methods, and post-processing approaches used in fungal-based construction.

Results

Analysis of six projects (Hy-Fi 2014, Shell Mycelium 2016, MycoTree 2017, El Monolito Micelio 2018, Growing Pavilion 2019, MY-CO SPACE 2021) revealed that most architectural approaches follow modular logic with bricks or panels, while few monolithic structures exist. Most projects required reinforcement with traditional materials due to low stiffness, and compression-based structural geometries were preferred. Digital design tools enabled morphologically diverse components.

Conclusion

Fungal biomaterials represent an emerging field with significant potential for sustainable construction. Future applications require new design and construction methods that consider material properties across building lifecycles, precisely controllable physical properties, and integration with conventional materials. Living mycelium offers possibilities for self-healing and autonomous properties that could create alternative paradigms to current smart building approaches.
  • Published in:Fungal Biology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: PMID: 34798908, DOI: 10.1186/s40694-021-00124-5
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