research explores potential applications of translucent mycelium in design and construction

study explores mycelium applications in design & construction

A research project by Clara Blum, Paula Castel, Lemmy Hu, and Gonzalo Muñoz Guerrero is now investigating the use of mycelium mushrooms as a sustainable material in design and construction, focusing on their application in translucent building envelopes. Using a lamp as a case study, the project seeks to balance visual barriers and light transmission, achieving distinctive visual effects and aesthetic value through the material’s growth patterns. The study examines various mycelium strains and cultivation methods, incorporating textiles for reinforcement and modifying agar bases with vegetable residues. It explores growth patterns, color variations, and structural integrity to enhance mycelium’s use in light shading elements and furniture. Key findings include faster growth with smaller cut pieces and slight improvements with modified agar, although challenges such as contamination and shrinkage persist. 

all images courtesy of Clara Blum, Paula Castel, Lemmy Hu, Gonzalo Muñoz Guerrero

design team cultivates mycelium in agar bases

In response to resource scarcity, exploring sustainable materials like mycelium has become increasingly important in the design and building sectors. While traditionally valued for its compressive qualities, the study by Clara Blum, Paula Castel, Lemmy Hu, Gonzalo Muñoz Guerrero investigates mycelium’s potential in creating translucent structures. The methodology uses Ganoderma Lucidum mycelium, cultivated in agar bases within Petri dishes. To increase surface area, the team transfers fully grown dishes to larger agar-filled containers, with textiles added for reinforcement. Experiments with beetroot and cabbage residue liquids in the agar base show slight color and growth changes. Two assembly approaches are tested: framing in 3D-printed PLA frames and aggregating small-scale elements. The latter approach involves liquifying and drying the agar to fuse growth elements.

mycelium cultivation in mid-size container

results show potential use in translucent lighting & furniture

Results show that smaller mycelium pieces accelerate growth and create interesting patterns, which led the team to conclude that translucent mycelium elements have potential applications in light shading and furniture. Modified agar marginally enhances growth speed and thickness, making separating mycelium easier—however, shrinkage and crumbling without the agar base present significant challenges. Contamination during growth also limits the scale of successful cultivation. Notably, the unexpected penetration of mycelium through the agar suggests potential for further exploration. Textiles like tulle and bandages provide optimal reinforcement, although post-assembly shrinkage causes some deformation. While 3D-printed frames allow for structural variation, addressing shrinkage and crumbling is crucial for improving durability and stability. 

3D-printed frames allow for structural variation

In light of these results and potential applications, future research will focus on refining these aspects, exploring interactive design possibilities, and scaling up implementations to enhance the final product’s performance.

The authors conducted the research during the seminar: ‘Myco-module’, offered by the Institute of Building Technology and Design (IBK) at the University of Stuttgart 

final full-scale mycelium lampshade achieves distinctive visual effects

the study investigates mycelium’s potential in creating translucent structure

textiles like tulle and bandages provide optimal reinforcement

petri dish cultivation to inoculate larger containers

project info:

name: Translucent Mycelium
designers: Clara Blum | @clara_blum, Paula Castel | @paula_castel, Lemmy Hu , Gonzalo Muñoz Guerrero | @nomecalza 

tutors: Eliza Biala | @eliza_biala, Johannes Haußer

supervisor: Prof. Martin Ostermann

designboom has received this project from our DIY submissions feature, where we welcome our readers to submit their own work for publication. see more project submissions from our readers here.

edited by: thomai tsimpou | designboom