GMU:DIY Biolab License/Anna Kranitz & Balázs Vágvölgyi

goal

The aim of this experiment was to understand the possibilities of using mycelium as a biodegradable material, and to explore its strengths and weaknesses, especially in a combination with straw. The main goal was to see how these two materials work together regarding growing intensity, strength, and appearance.

workshop

As a start, we prepared argar, which is the initial substrate of the step-by-step mycelium growth process, which was followed by rye.

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preparing the mixtures

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Manufacturing progress

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growing together

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Compressive strength testing

The compressive strength test was essential for the purpose of assessing the later usability of the block in the construction industry.

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mycelium growth phases on rye substrate

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organic shapes

The main goal of the side experiment was to observe that we can create these organic forms with alternative formwork. We used nylon stockings and cellophane to help with this and observed that the same mixture of mycelium and substrate reacted in completely different ways to the different formworks.

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foreign objects

The main goal of the second side experiment was to observe whether the mycelium attacks organic materials other than the substrate, such as MDF or solid wood. Since our research mainly focused on reforming the construction industry, it was important that the added material to be tested was not sterilized, similar to an environment outside the laboratory. We observed that the mycelium began to spread on the surface of the solid wood, where as a result of the wet environment, other molds also began to grow.

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exhibition

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conclusion