Due to the unique properties of mycelium, mushrooms emerge as a sustainable alternative to concrete in construction. This innovative material, grown from agricultural waste and transformed into a solid mass by mycelium, not only offers resistance comparable to concrete but also benefits the environment with its biodegradability, promising to revolutionize the industry with eco-friendly and effective construction solutions.

In nature, mushrooms play a crucial role in the decomposition of organic matter, recycling nutrients and purifying soils. This natural ability of fungi is being used in a revolutionary way in construction, where researchers have discovered that mushrooms can be cultivated to produce a biodegradable and highly sustainable building material.

The mushroom root system, known as mycelium, is the secret behind this innovation. When grown on substrates such as sawdust or straw, the mycelium acts like a biological glue, transforming this waste into a solid mass after a controlled growth process. This material not only has insulation properties comparable to concrete, but it is also fire and water resistant.

Ecovative, a pioneer in this field, has explored the use of mycelium to produce packaging and is now expanding its applications to construction.

Companies like eco-friendly, a pioneer in this field, have explored the use of mycelium to produce packaging and are now expanding its applications to civil construction. The mushroom-derived material promises to not only reduce the carbon footprint of conventional construction materials but also contribute to waste management, as it is completely compostable at the end of its useful life.

Viable alternative to using traditional materials such as plaster and cement for concrete

One of the most notable examples of the use of mycelium in construction is the Hy-Fi Project, developed by New York studio The Living, in collaboration with Ecovative Design. The project was the winner of MoMA's Young Architects Program in 2014. With structural advice from ARUP, mycelium bricks were created from chopped corn stalk waste, which grew in prismatic molds in less than a week. These innovative bricks were used to build an impressive 12-foot-tall tower in the courtyard of MoMA PS1.

Demonstrating the viability and robustness of the material, the tower not only maintained its structural integrity during the two months of exhibition, but also highlighted the sustainability of the process: after disassembly, the bricks were sent for composting, returning to the natural cycle without leaving residue. harmful to the environment. This experiment not only validated mycelium's potential as a viable building material but also exemplified its positive environmental impact.

Using mycelium as a construction material still faces challenges

Despite its enormous potential, the use of mycelium as a construction material still faces challenges, including the need for more research to ensure its effectiveness and competitiveness on an industrial scale. However, growing interest and investment in biotechnology indicates that the future may be promising for fungus-based construction materials.

Mushrooms' ability to transform agricultural waste into a robust, environmentally friendly building material not only opens new doors for sustainable construction methods but also aligns the construction industry with greener and more responsible practices.