Panels composed of mycelium, which feed on an input such as hemp, are taking their first steps in the field of construction .
To make the walls of his offices, he finely grinds organic materials which he mixes with water. Subsequently, we will put them in contact with a fungal culture. Depending on the combinations, we will wait 3 to 20 days for colonization, he explains.
Anything that can burn [and] anything that is composted can serve as food for mycelium, indicates Geoffroy Renaud.
What is interesting about mycomaterials is that we can deal with the three major sources of problematic residues: construction, textile and agri-food waste.< /p>A quote from Geoffroy Renaud, research student at the Plant Biology Research Institute of UdeM
Everything is produced in a mold to give the desired shape to the product. This object will then be unmolded, then cooked to annihilate the fungal organism so that it is no longer alive, continues Geoffroy Renaud. The final product is now ready to be installed on the walls.
Joseph Dahmen, assistant professor at the University of British Columbia's school of architecture, says the majority of mycomaterials used today are cooked to stop the growth of the mycelium.
He is interested, for his part, in the living potential of these materials. We could imagine a material that would become dynamic, adaptable, so that we could give it a different resistance. It continues to grow, so we can encourage that growth or stop it based on need, he suggests.
The expression ‘grow like a mushroom’ is accurate. They grow very quickly. […] We can match them to the unique environmental considerations of where we want to use them.
A quote from Joseph Dahmen, assistant professor at the School of Architecture UBC
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While mushroom-based materials are often cooked to prevent deformation, researchers at the University of British Columbia are interested in how “living” mycomaterials can vary so that they adapt to an environment. evolving.
In the case of living or inanimate mycommaterials, widespread adoption is not imminent, according to researchers.
We are only just beginning to understand the potential of these materials, says Joseph Dahmen. We want to make sure that the materials we use in buildings are safe for human health and from a structural point of view, he specifies.
Geoffroy Renaud adds that there is currently no general theory of mycomaterials, in the same way as for concrete, steel or wood. When we characterize materials, what part comes down to the presence of the fungus? […] What part belongs to inputs?
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The properties of mycomaterials used in construction vary depending on the input used, whether for example hemp or sawdust. bois.
He believes that cultural dissonance also needs to be reassessed.
We have been told all our lives that mushrooms are dangerous for homes.
A quote from Geoffroy Renaud, student researcher at the Plant Biology Research Institute of UdeM
According to Geoffroy Renaud, establish loops of x27;circular economy which recycles residues, in particular by marketing the resulting finished products, is one of the solutions to facilitate the adoption of mycommaterials.
With information fromDavid Ball
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