EU researchers are cultivating fungi on agricultural waste to create smarter and greener construction materials able to adapt and react to their environment, and even repair themselves.
In his office in the Netherlands, Professor Han Wösten showcases a hard sponge-like block he created in 2012 using the intricate rooting network of fungi. He envisions a future where buildings are constructed using living, sustainable materials with remarkable potential.
Wösten, a professor of molecular biology at Utrecht University, explores how various fungi function within a mycelium—a natural network of threads that nourish fungi and connect plants by sharing resources and information. By engineering fungal “threads,” he is developing sustainable, biodegradable alternatives to traditional materials like plastic, wood, and leather, which are already finding applications in fashion, furniture, and construction.
The Fungateria research initiative, involving scientists from various European countries, is blending fungal mycelia with bacteria to create engineered living materials (ELMs). These materials possess unique properties, such as self-healing capabilities, environmental sensing abilities, and adaptability, unlike conventional products.
Unlike concrete or plastic, ELMs can grow, repair themselves, sense changes in their environment, and evolve over time. The goal is to design materials that combine the strength of natural growth with engineering functionality, leading to innovations like walls that mend cracks, building blocks that absorb CO2, and surfaces that purify the air.
The construction sector generates a significant amount of waste, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and environmental degradation. By utilizing fungal-composite materials made from agricultural waste, researchers aim to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability in construction practices.
The concept of incorporating living organisms into buildings may raise concerns, but pioneers like Professor Phil Ayres believe it is a necessary evolution in architecture. By viewing buildings as dynamic entities that interact with their surroundings, architects can create structures that are more environmentally connected and ecologically sustainable.
The Fungateria team is exploring ways to control the growth of fungal mycelia to ensure the safety and durability of structures built with these materials. By using light, temperature cues, and genetically engineered bacteria, they can manage the growth process and prevent potential risks associated with fungal growth on wood supports.
The researchers have demonstrated the resilience of fungal materials under challenging conditions, indicating their potential for use in sustainable construction. Envisioning a future where buildings are constructed using wood and fungal matter grown from agricultural waste, the team aims to create architecture that is alive, adaptive, and integrated with natural ecosystems.
The integration of fungal materials in construction represents a shift towards sustainable and eco-friendly building practices. As global demand for environmentally conscious solutions grows, the research conducted by the Fungateria team offers a glimpse into a future where architecture is not just inspired by nature but built from it—living, responsive, and interconnected with the environment.
