Development of functionally graded mycelium composites for use in façade systems
Today's planned and built façades consist of a combination of many different specialised materials, each of which has a specific function in the façade system. They usually consist of inorganic materials, which can only be reversibly separated with great effort. The complexity of the façade systems used today reduces economic and ecological recycling and makes material disposal more difficult. Based on the ‘cradle-to-cradle’ principle, the Mycomodul project aims to solve this problem using a bio-based, ecologically reversible approach. Through the graded use of different bio-based mycelium composites (substrate + mycelium) within a single component, we have developed an approach that has the potential to fundamentally change this problem.
The ‘root system’ of fungi, the mycelium, serves as a fundamental biological principle. This is the vegetative part of a fungal body that forms branching thread-like structures (hyphae). In nature, it normally grows in dead wood. We utilise the ability of mycelium to bind substrates made of biopolymers. Targeted killing prevents further growth without loss of binding strength. The various functional layers are translated analogues to the structure of the micromodule. The main components of the substrates are the biopolymers cellulose and chitin, lignin, hemicellulose and bio-based additives such as plant-derived silicate. Several universities and companies are currently conducting research into producing simple building products such as masonry bricks or insulation boards from mycelium and substrates. These are focussed on unique properties. This again results in a material composite with foreign materials, e.g. the insulation board with lime plaster on a masonry wall with internal acoustic measures.
The Mycomodul project utilises the various findings from research and gradually combines them into a component that can replace a current façade system. The objectives, such as vapour-blocking or water-repellent properties, will be tested functionally and visually on a building using a 1:1 scale demonstrator element in a façade test stand. If the results are positive, we not only see an immense ecological opportunity, but also hope that planners and architects will rethink their approach.
Partner:
Institute of Building Construction, Building Technology and Design, Chair 2 (IBK2) – Prof. Martin Ostermann
Institute for Biomaterials and Biomolecular Systems at the University of Stuttgart (IBBS) – prof. Arnd Heyer
Kompetenzzentrum Ausbau und Fassade (KomZet) – dr Roland Falk
Company Gröber Ausbau und Fassade
Project is required by BMBF - Ideenwettbewerb Biologisierung der Technik
