living buildings — The rise of living buildings is becoming a reality as EU-funded researchers cultivate fungi on agricultural waste to create innovative construction materials. These materials are designed to adapt, respond to their environment, and even repair themselves, heralding a new era in sustainable architecture.
Living buildings: Innovative Materials from Nature’s Network
In a laboratory in the Netherlands, Professor Han Wösten holds a hard sponge-like block made from the intricate rooting network of fungi. This material, developed in 2012, showcases the potential of using mycelium – the underground fungal network that connects plants by sharing resources and information. Wösten, a professor at Utrecht University, believes that in a decade, we might see the first buildings made entirely of fungi.
Living, Sustainable Solutions
Wösten and his team are exploring how engineered living materials (ELMs) can revolutionise the construction industry. By combining fungal mycelia with bacteria, they are creating materials that can grow, repair themselves, and adapt to changes in their environment. Unlike traditional materials such as concrete, these living materials could lead to greener buildings that work in harmony with nature.
Fungateria: A Collaborative Effort
The initiative, known as Fungateria, involves researchers from several countries, including Belgium, Denmark, Greece, the Netherlands, Norway, and the UK. Their aim is to design materials that not only possess the strength of traditional construction but also the ecological benefits of living organisms. This approach could lead to walls that fix their own cracks, building blocks that absorb carbon dioxide, and surfaces capable of cleaning the air.
Environmental Benefits of Fungal Materials
The construction sector is a significant contributor to waste and greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for over a third of the EU’s total waste. Moreover, emissions from material extraction and building activities contribute between 5% and 12% of total national emissions in EU Member States. The use of fungal composites could radically enhance material efficiency, potentially saving up to 80% of those emissions. Unlike concrete, which releases significant amounts of CO2, buildings made from fungal materials can upcycle agricultural waste, significantly reducing carbon footprints.
Cultural Shift Towards Living Architecture
While the concept of integrating living organisms into buildings may raise eyebrows, Professor Phil Ayres, a leading figure in biohybrid architecture from the Royal Danish Academy, asserts that society will gradually adapt to this shift. He underscores that humans have consumed living organisms in food for centuries, and the exploration of their applications in construction is still in its infancy.
Rethinking Architectural Norms
Ayres advocates for a paradigm shift in how architects perceive materials, arguing that constructions should be regarded as dynamic entities that evolve over time. By viewing buildings more like organisms, architects could create structures that are more ecologically interconnected, fostering a deeper relationship between architecture and the environment.
Engaging the Public with Innovative Ideas
The Fungateria team not only bridges the gap between microbiology and architecture but also engages the public through innovative exhibitions and workshops. Their work has been showcased at events like the Venice Biennale, sparking discussions about the future of architecture and the potential of living materials.
Harnessing Nature’s Signals
The researchers are utilising the splitgill mushroom (Schizophyllum commune), a species that thrives on dead wood, to develop safe and durable structures. Controlling the growth of this mycelium is critical, and techniques such as manipulating light and temperature are being investigated to regulate its development. Additionally, genetically engineered bacteria from the University of Ghent provide essential nutrients to the fungus, with the ability to halt growth and release antifungal compounds when needed, ensuring the safety of the structures.
Resilience in a Changing Climate
The Fungateria researchers have demonstrated that the fungus can withstand extreme conditions, including drought and high temperatures, indicating its resilience to climate change impacts. Their vision includes a future where buildings comprise wood and fungal materials, grown together in a sustainable construction process.
A Vision for the Future of Architecture
As the demand for sustainable solutions grows, the potential for buildings made from living materials is becoming increasingly viable. Wösten envisions a future where entire structures are organically grown, integrating wood and fungi in a seamless construction process. This innovative approach not only promises a reduction in environmental impact but also a reimagining of our built environment as a living, adaptive entity intertwined with the ecosystems around it.
