Faced with the rapid decline of the planet, researchers have focused on cultivating solutions for sustainable living. In the architectural industry, the development of green building materials has been a prime focus, utilising straw and reclaimed wood. Another material is mycelium - the root network of fungus –which has been heavily explored for its binding properties.
Bioknit prototype installed in “the ome” on University Campus
The ‘Hub for Biotechnology in the Built Environment’ HBBE has been pursuing this line of inquiry in their ‘BioKnit’ research with the use of mycelium and bacterial cellulose, shaped using 3D knit technology with wool and linen to act as a textile scaffolding system. Mycelium is non-toxic, using 1/10th of the energy required during production and emitting one-eighth of greenhouse gases, compared to the production of Polyurethane foam. However, it is not very strong, limiting its use as a structural material with a compression strength of just 18 psi and a short 20–30-year lifespan.
Closeup of the Bioknit prototype
The sustainability of mycelium has inspired research into the enhancement of its unique properties to further its potential as a building material. Widespread use of such materials in place of more harmful ones, such as plastic and concrete, is a critical step in reaching net-zero architecture by 2030.
Researchers of HBBE in the _OME are currently developing techniques to improve the resilience of mycelium outside of lab conditions, which can be seen from Tuesday 23rd until Friday 27th May from 1-3 pm during _OME Launch Week.