ResArch Lab: Mycelium Architecture – Building with Fungi will explore the technology and methods behind the potential uses of mycelium, the thread-like structures (hyphae) in fungi, as an innovative building material that can be incorporated into custom residential architecture. Over the past several years, mycelium has become recognized as a useful material that could shape a future from which architecture can be grown. A completely biodegradable material with exceptional properties—insulating, fire-resistant, acoustical, structural and lightweight— myco-matter is ideal for both indoor and outdoor architectural applications.
Join architects, engineers, and innovators leading the effort in the bio-fabrication of mycelium as they discuss the challenges of working with this ancient yet revolutionary material in their practices. Topics such as construction methods resulting in monolithic, brick-form, insulation and tile applications, will be discussed along with the life cycle processes and zero waste impact of the material. The case for building with mycelium is that it is fast-growing, low-cost, energy efficient, and a low-waste alternative to known, traditional building materials.
How can designing with mycelium in residential applications benefit the life safety and health of its occupants? What does it take to manufacture myco-products that can be useful to local economies? What are the possibilities of this innovative biomaterial and its capabilities to be scaled to bio-manufacturing for residential construction? Can “mycotecture” transform how architects address sustainability in housing, ultimately creating a new kind of biodegradable home that could be widespread in the near future?
Organized by:
AIANY Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN)
