The concept of using living fungus as a raw material for building structures is explored in a new paper by European academics. This innovative approach aims to create eco-friendly and self-growing buildings that would revolutionize the construction industry. By growing building materials from biological sources, such as fungal mycelium, dependency on fossil fuels and destructive mining operations can be reduced. The mechanical properties of fungal materials range from foam-like to wood-like, making them suitable for various applications in the building industry. The idea of using living fungus as a building material is not new, but this paper proposes the development of monolithic structures that are biodegradable and can be rejuvenated with water for repairs or alterations. The potential of fungal architecture lies in its ability to create a circular economy for construction, minimizing logistic and energy use in material production.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| Living fungus as a raw material for buildings | From traditional building materials to living fungus | More buildings made of living fungus | Response to catastrophic climate change and the need for eco-friendly materials |
| Fungal buildings self-grow, build, and repair themselves | From static buildings to dynamic, self-repairing structures | Buildings that can regenerate and adapt to changes | Reducing dependency on fossil fuels and mining operations |
| Fungal materials with various mechanical properties | From limited material properties to versatile properties | Wide range of mechanical properties for fungal materials | Expanding possibilities for the building industry |
| Coating the fungal materials to protect against degradation | From biodegradable materials to protected, long-lasting materials | Fungal materials that can withstand degradation without losing biodegradability | Balancing circular economy and durability |
| Living fungal architecture for logistical needs | From separate logistical systems to integrated fungal networks | Fungal architecture replacing traditional systems for plumbing and electrical wiring | Utilizing the internal network structure of fungi |
| Building fungal versions of electronics | From traditional electronics to self-growing, self-repairing living circuits | Living circuits that can adapt and repair themselves | Exploring new possibilities in electronics and sustainable construction |
| Circular economy for construction | From linear construction processes to circular material use | Construction practices that minimize logistics and energy use | Transitioning to a more sustainable construction industry |