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The New Technology Developed in Singapore Utilizes Mycelium and Bamboo as an Ecological Alternative to Cement and Air Conditioning. Fungus Tiles Are Inspired by Elephant Skin.
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) in Singapore have developed an innovative solution that can reduce the temperature of buildings without using electricity. It consists of fungus tiles made from oyster mushroom mycelium and bamboo waste, molded with a wrinkled surface inspired by elephant skin.
The proposal combines sustainable biomaterials with functional design, aiming to mitigate heat in urban centers and reduce dependence on traditional materials with high carbon emissions, such as cement. Initial tests indicate that the new material is capable of delaying heating and accelerating cooling, functioning as a natural thermal insulator.
Fungus Tiles Are an Ecological Alternative to Conventional Air Conditioning
The initiative arises from an increasingly urgent problem: the heating of cities and the high energy consumption caused by the use of air conditioning systems. In search of more sustainable alternatives, the team of scientists invested in the use of fungi and plant fibers, creating a tile with a dual function: passive cooling and reduced environmental impact.
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The material was developed based on mycelium, the underground part of fungi, which acts as a natural binder when combined with bamboo waste. The result is a lightweight, porous product with good thermal resistance.
The wrinkled surface of the tiles, inspired by elephant skin, increases the area for moisture retention, allowing greater efficiency in evaporative cooling — a technique that simulates heat dissipation through water evaporation.
Inspiration from Nature: How Elephant Skin Helps Cool Buildings
Elephants, large animals that live in warm environments, do not have sweat glands. To maintain body temperature, they rely on deeply wrinkled skin that holds water and facilitates evaporation, acting as a passive thermal regulation system.
NTU researchers replicated this texture in the mycelium tiles, creating channels and indentations that retain rainwater and favor continuous evaporation. In laboratory tests, textured tiles performed better thermally than conventional flat surfaces.
Moreover, simulations showed that water droplets remain longer on the wrinkled surface, enhancing cooling without the need for electricity.
Ecological Tiles Could Replace Cement in Facades and Roofs
With potential for use in facades, roofs, and indoor environments, the fungus and bamboo tiles offer a viable alternative to traditional construction materials. Cement, for instance, is responsible for about 8% of global CO₂ emissions, according to sector data.
By replacing or complementing cement, these new tiles help reduce the carbon footprint in construction. Additionally, mycelium is biodegradable, and the plant matter can be sourced from agricultural waste, making the process more circular and less dependent on non-renewable sources.
The Growth of Mycelium Tiles Takes Up to One Month Per Unit
Despite the promising results, scientists face a logistical challenge: the production time. Each tile unit takes about 30 days to grow, as the mycelium needs time to develop over the molds and form a solid structure.
To overcome this limitation, the team is partnering with a local startup specialized in biotechnology to accelerate the cultivation process. Among the strategies being tested are the use of more resistant fungus varieties and controlled incubation techniques to scale up production.
If production time can be reduced, the technology could be applied on a large scale in urban architectural projects, such as schools, hospitals, and affordable housing.
Laboratory Results Indicate Efficiency in Passive Cooling
In simulated conditions, the tiles demonstrated slower heat absorption compared to conventional materials. Furthermore, after the heat peak, the cooling time was significantly shorter, reducing the thermal load in buildings.
The porosity of mycelium, combined with the textured surface, facilitates heat exchange with the environment, without relying on fans or air conditioning systems. Simulations in outdoor environments suggest that the tiles could help reduce the internal temperature of buildings by several degrees Celsius.
This feature makes them especially useful in tropical cities and arid climates, where urban heat exacerbates issues related to public health, energy consumption, and quality of life.
Mycelium and Bamboo Reinforce Global Trend of Biomaterials in Construction
The use of mycelium as a construction material has expanded in recent years, also appearing in packaging, acoustic insulation, and interior design. Bamboo, in turn, is already recognized as a renewable and resilient resource with a rapid growth cycle and low cost.
By combining these two raw materials, NTU researchers align with a global trend: the use of biomaterials in sustainable architecture. The aim is to develop solutions that are efficient, affordable, and of low environmental impact, addressing the challenges of future cities.
The innovation of fungus tiles for natural cooling represents a significant contribution to the sustainable construction sector. Instead of relying on expensive electric systems that emit greenhouse gases, buildings could utilize natural, efficient, and biodegradable solutions.
With advancements in research and the development of accelerated production techniques, it is possible that within a few years, roofs and facades made of mycelium will be present in urban projects around the world, making cities more resilient to heat and less dependent on artificial energy for thermal comfort.
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