Sustainable Mycéliums Composites for Building Construction

¹ Assistant Professor of Architecture, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD
² Instructor of Architecture, South Dakota State University, Brookings, SD

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This study investigates the fabrication, material performance, and architectural integration of mycelium-based bricks grown on a lignocellulosic agricultural waste substrate using a selected fungal strain. Multiple brick specimens were fabricated, grown under controlled temperature and humidity conditions for 7-14 days, and oven-dried before testing. Compressive strength was measured in accordance with ASTM C67, and thermal conductivity was determined using a guarded hot plate, following ISO 8302. A prototype wall assembly was constructed to assess constructability. The results show that the bricks achieved compressive strengths suitable for non-load-bearing envelope applications and thermal conductivity values within the range reported for hempcrete and straw-based composites. These findings indicate the potential of mycelium bricks as low-toxicity, energy-efficient building envelope components, while highlighting the need for further investigation of moisture behavior, indoor air quality performance, durability, fire resistance, and life-cycle impacts.