From Fruiting to Building

This research introduces an innovative approach to mycelium-based composites (MBC) in architectural design by integrating food production into the material cultivation process. Departing from conventional MBC projects focused on material innovation, this research valorizes fungi cultivation waste to create dual-purpose building components. Using a combination of prototyping techniques, including mesh discretization, strip paneling, and timber kerfing, our MBC prototypes demonstrate the ability to support mushroom cultivation, achieve greater form complexity than existing MBC architectural applications, and eliminate the need for temporary formwork. This dual-purpose strategy offsets cultivation costs, minimizes environmental impact, and incorporates agricultural by-products into the architectural process, further aligning MBC architectural development with circular economy principles.

keywords: mycelium-based composites; dual-purpose MBC; timber veneer mycelium composite; agricultural waste valorization in construction; circular economy

• with: Canhui Chen (lead), Lachlan Blackmore, Harry Tweedale, Christian-Anders Nygaard, Mark Burry
• year: Dec 2024 — ongoing