Existing research on mycelium-based materials recognizes the binding capacity of fungal hyphae. Fungal hyphae digest and bond to the surface of the substrate, form entangled networks, and enhance the mechanical strength of mycelium-based composites. This investigation was driven by the results of an ongoing project, where we attempt to provide basic concepts for a broad application of a mycelium and chipped wood composite for building components. Simultaneously, we further explore the binding capacity of mycelium and chipped wood composites with a series of experiments involving different mechanical interlocking patterns. Although the matrix material was analyzed on a micro-scale, the samples were developed on a meso-scale to enhance the bonding surface. The meso-scale allows exploring the potential of the bio-based material for use in novel construction systems. The outcome of this study provides a better understanding of the material and geometrical features of mycelium-based building elements.

One of the main environmental challenges the construction industry faces nowadays is the massive outsourcing of resources for material production. In this realm, mycelium-based composites (MBC) emerge as a promising solution, offering a renewable and biodegradable option for construction materials. MBCs are produced by cultivating filamentous fungal strains on lignocellulosic substrates, which enables the utilization of local agricultural or industrial waste. Moreover, MBCs exhibit a rapid growth cycle, allowing for faster biomass production than conventional renewable materials such as timber, which require years to mature. This unique characteristic of MBCs positions them as an innovative and scalable alternative for sustainable construction. This study conducts a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment (LCA) of MBC, supplemented by partial analysis of end-of-life phases (C2-C4) and recycling potential (D), for their application in sandwich panels within timber frame construction systems. The LCA assesses the environmental impact of producing 1 m ³ of MBC using a waste-sourced spruce wood substrate, focusing on Global Warming Potential (GWP), conducted per DIN EN ISO 14044:2021-02 and EN 15804 standards. Different end-of-life (EoL) scenarios were considered: recycling MBCs into new production cycles and down cycling as soil amendments. Using a waste-derived substrate that acts as a biogenic carbon sink alongside these EoL scenarios positively impacts the net-GWP values of MBC. The results of the LCA are compared against two conventional sandwich panel core materials based on information included in Environmental Product Declarations (EPD). The benchmarking compares GWP and reference service life (RSL), showing that MBC generally achieves a lower net GWP across most life cycle stages. However, further investigation is needed to understand the feasibility of industrial-scale MBC production.

Algorithm-based optimization is widely applied in many fields like industrial production, resulting in state-of-the-art workflows in the production process optimization. This project takes the cultural lag of conventional industrial architecture design as a motivation to investigate the implementation of algorithm-based optimization into traditional design processes. We argue that an enhanced way of architectural decision-making is possible. Current approaches use a translation of the whole design problem into a single, overly complicated optimization system. Contrary to that, this paper presents a novel workflow that defines precise design steps and applies optimizations only if suitable. Furthermore, this method can generate relevant results for factory planning design problems with contradicting factors, making it a promising approach for the complex challenges of i.e. resource-efficient building.