Bio-Modules: Mycelium-Based Composites Forming a Modular Interlocking System through a Computational Design towards Sustainable Architecture

Omar Abdelhady, Evgenia Spyridonos*, Hanaa Dahy

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal articleResearchpeer-review

2 Citations (Scopus)
81 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

In a resource-constrained world, raising awareness about the development of eco-friendly alternative materials is critical for ensuring a more sustainable future. Mycelium-based composites (MBC) and their diverse applications are gaining popularity as regenerative, biodegradable, and lightweight alternatives. This research aims to broaden the design potentials of MBC in order to construct advanced systems towards a novel material culture in architecture. The proposed design method intends to explore the design and fabrication of small-scale components of MBC to be applied in modular systems. Mycelium-based modular components are being developed to fulfill the geometrical requirements that allow for the creation of a lightweight system without additional reinforcement. The modules are linked together using an interlocking system. Through computational design and form-finding methods, various arrangements of the modules are achieved. An initial prototype of five modules is created to demonstrate the ability of the system to form various geometrical configurations as a result of the used workflow. The proposed application aims to expand the scope of the use of mycelium-based composites in modular systems and to promote architectural applications using bio-based composite materials.

Original languageEnglish
Article number20
JournalDesigns
Volume7
Issue number1
Number of pages17
ISSN2411-9660
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Feb 2023

Bibliographical note

Funding Information:
This research was partially funded by the Fachagentur Nachwachsende Rohstoffe e. V. (FNR, Agency for Renewable Resources) under Bundesministeriums für Ernährung und Landwirtschaft (BMEL, Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture) throughout the research project Leicht-Pro: Pultruded load-bearing lightweight profiles from natural fiber composites (FKZ:22027018), managed by Hanaa Dahy, director of the BioMat Department at ITKE, University of Stuttgart. The work was also partially supported by Krown-Design BV, Hogewaard 21D, 6624 KP Heerewaarden, Netherlands, the company from which the mycelium growing kits were purchased.

Publisher Copyright:
© 2023 by the authors.

Keywords

  • bio-based materials
  • composites
  • computational design
  • growing materials
  • modular system
  • mycelium
  • sustainability

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