Binding Worlds Together by Giulliana Giorgi

BINDING WORLDS TOGETHER

in collaboration with mycelium

Giulliana-Florela Giorgi / DIP 17 From the Ground up / Environmental and Technical Studies Year 5 Thesis

CONTENTS PAGE CHAPTER 0. INTRODUCTION

CHAPTER 5. DESIGNING WITH THE LIVING

0.1 Project Brief: Binding Worlds Together 0.2 Technical Brief: In collaboration with mycelium

5.a. FIELD RESEARCH

CHAPTER 1. THE ORGANISM: MYCELIUM 1.1 Both large and small 1.2 Mycelium Morphology 1.3 Fungal Strain Selection + Associated Environmental Conditions 1.4 What do fungi eat? 1.5 Re-growing on Waste 1.6 Mycelium Composite Morphology 1.7 Mycelium Composite Growth

5.a.1 Visit 1_Mycology Lab 5.a.2 Visit 2_Large Mushroom Farm 5.a.3 Visit 3_Small Mushroom Farm

5.b. MYCELIUM PRODUCTION CASE STUDIES 5.b.1 Case Study 1_Ecovative, USA 5.b.2 Case Study 2_Biohm, London, UK 5.b.3 case Study 3_Mogu, IT

5.c. MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS CHAPTER 2. BEYOND WASTE 2.1 Towards Regenerative Practices 2.2 A Modern History of Waste 2.3 From Public to Private to a Global Concentration of Power 2.4 Site - Packington Landfill 2.5 Site History_ Extracting - Disposing - Covering - Regeneration 2.6 Substrate opportunities currently arriving on site 2.7 OAW and Wood Shredding sites in relationship with the building 2.8 Waste Treatment Facilities revealing opportunities and alternative routes of biodegradble waste streams 2.9 Biodegradable Waste 2.10 Green Waste 2.11 Landfill Layers and Situated Project 2.12 Site Plan 2.13 Growth and Construction Protocols

CHAPTER 3. CONSTRUCTION AND GROWTH 3.a. GROUND WORKS

5.c.1 Growing Protocols 5.c.2 Mould Experiments 5.c.3 Reinforcement Experiments 5.c.4 Surface Reinforcement Experiments Module 1 5.c.5 Surface Reinforcement Experiments Module 2 5.c.6 Observing Growth 5.c.7 Conclusions: Production Influences Material Characteristics

CHAPTER 6. MYCOREMEDIATION 6.1 Applied Mycology 6.2 Fungi Strains and Pollution 6.3 Pairing Soil Toxins with Mushroom Strains 6.4 Soil Chromotography 6.5 From separating pollution to digesting it

CHAPTER 7. CONCLUSIONS

3.a.1 Retaining Soil 3.a.2 Gabion Retaining Walls 3.a.3 Ground Improvement Works_ Vibro Stone Columns 3.a.4 Excavationn and Backfilling 3.a.5 Construction Stages 3.a.6 Tools, Processes influence room dimensions and their relationship 3.a.7 Groundfloor Labd and Growing Chambers 3.a.8 Case Study - Batlle i Roig

3.b. STAY-IN MOULD AND REINFORCEMENT : timber and fabric 3.b.1 Material System and Interaction 3.b.2 Mycelium Based Composite Precedents 3.b.3 Fabric as Mould 3.b.4 Formwork Materials 3.b.5 Fabric Gestures 3.b.6 Design Iteration 1 3.b.7 Design Iteration 2 3.b.8 Design Iteration 3 3.b.9 Design Iteration 4 3.b.10 Exploded Axonometry 3.b.11 Modular Assembly of Timber Elements 3.b.12 Structural Precedent_ICD Stuttgart LivMatS Pavilion 3.b.13 Structural Precedent_ Ibuku_The Arc at Green School Bali 3.b.14 Construction Process Precedent_ Layering of Materials Composition 3.b.15 Formwork and reinforcement Precedent_ Phil Ayres CITA/Fungar Architecture

CHAPTER 4. BUILDING AND ENVIRONMENT 4.1 What is an assemblage?

4.a. ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES 4.a.1 U Values 4.a.2 Sun Studies 4.a.3 Light 4.a.4 Wind

4.b. OVERALL DESIGN 4.b.1 Ground Floor Plan 4.b.2 Overground Plan 4.b.3 Canopy Plan

INTRODU

UCTION

0.1 Project Brief: Binding Worlds Together

6 2

The project attempts to demystify scientific practices of research and experimentation, namely the discipline of mycology, and to democratize knowledge production, and therefore, cultural production, through equipping citizens with the tools and skills of laboratory practice in manipulating new materials and making the invisible visible. In this project, the laboratory is considered, as Latour describes it, ‘a technological device to gain strenght by multiplying mistakes’. (Latour, Give me a Laboratory and I will Raise the World) The role of the laboratory is to destabilise the inside-outside dichotomy of the scientific world and the ‘real’ world. Through a chain of displacements and translations, the micro is extracted from the macro scale of our societal crises, to reverse the scale of the phenomena and be reintroduced though the process of inscription into the fabric of society and influence its social construct.

ETS 05 / DIP 17 / BINDING WORLDS TOGETHER in collaboration with mycelium / Giulliana-Florela Giorgi

The project proposes a civic laboratory for applied mycology on a former landfill activating the relationship between what we perceive as organic waste and mycelium, the rooting structure of fungi which has the capacity to digest and bind matter together.

I attempt to make the macro small enough to be displaced, translated, studied, experimented with, controlled and reintroduced into the real. Reaching out from the lab into the landfill to establish a place of study and experiemntation which celebrates the history of public fasciantion and engagement with the latest scientific explorations of the Midlands Enlightment period.

Give me a Laboratory and I will Raise the World Bruno Latour ÉcoledesMines. Paris

Mycology Lab Visit, Jodrell Laboratory Nov 2021, Kew Gardens

Contemporary forms of Democratozation of Knowledge Civic Laboratory for Applied Mycology

UNDERGROUND (more formal, rational, controlled environments) (material production): - STORAGE (substrate materials & other) - SUBSTRATE PASTEURIZATION / STERILIZATION - INOCULATION CHAMBER ( most sterile environment) - GROWING CHAMBERS (materal production) - SERVICE AREAS OVERGROUND (civic lab for pursuing mistakes) (science experimentation appropriation) (all activities are scattered - randomly - throughout the open space + soft enclosures) (mycological playground - able to develop new types of sensibilities, curiosities and empathy towards otherness) (the building canopy and dropping wall-columns are an instrument of study) - MATERIAL WORKSHOPS / MATERIAL MANIPULATION + ASSEMBLY - LAMINAL FLOW HOODS - small scale manipulation of fungal strains - MATERIAL LIBRARY - BOOK SHELVES - EXHIBTION + DEMONSTRATIONS - MEETING / CONVERSATION / GATHERING SPACES of various capacities - PROJECTION SPACES

*Make no distinction between art and science - both practices of developing sensitivities and new understandings of the world *lectures both ways: top-down and buttom-up -> in reference of the public lectures taking place in

0.2 Technical Brief: In collaboration with mycelium

The project addresses the material austerity of an overburdened extractive society and speculates on alternative material formations utilizing fungi as a binding agent. The project aims to collaborate with mycelium, learn from the behaviour of this living organism, allow for a degree of uncontrolled autonomy and explore the relationships between mycelium and inert organic matter considered ‘waste’. Therefore, the questions are: How can we, as humans and designers, choreograph growth of mycelium? What are the limitations of the material? How can those limitations be challenged though design and engineering?

ETS 05 / DIP 17 / BINDING WORLDS TOGETHER in collaboration with mycelium / Giulliana-Florela Giorgi

This study explores the possible uses of mycelium, the underground filamentous foundation network of mushrooms, in material transformation and territorial remediation.

What are the implications and risk factors of designing with living organisms such as mycelium? How could we establish a collaboration with mycelium rather than a polytechnical approach? I attempt to make the macro small enough to be displaced, translated, studied, experimented with, controlled, and reintroduced into the ‘real’.

THE ORG MYCELIUM

GANISM: M

3.5 sq. meters armillaria ostoyae/ honey mushroom btw. 2,400 – 8,650 years old The Malheur National Forest, Oregon USA

Packington Landfill Birmingham, United Kingdom

BOTH LARGE AND SMALL

A strain of amirallia fungi located in a forest in Oregon and covering aprox 3,5 square miles is considered to be the biggest living organism on earth, yet it operates at a mycroscopic scale, hidden from sight, sustaining the living block of soil.

The location of the project, Packington former landfill, activates the relationship between mycelium and what we consider organic waste. It looks at alternative ways of material sourcing that depend neither on extraction nor cultivation, but regrowth from organic waste streams. 17

MYCELIUM MORPHOLOGY

spore

fruiting body

mycelium

hyphae

FUNGI AS ORGANISMS FOR ECOLOGICAL THINKING

I chose to work with fungi as a powerful organism for ecological thinking. If ecology studies the relationship between organisms, fungi form the physical connections between those organisms, matter, and nutrients. Fungal networks of threads called hyphae expand outwards seeking new territories, new partnerships with plants or new patches of organic matter. If this process is carefully choreographed and stopped before the decaying stage begins, fungi can transform a liability with negative worth into a product with value.

FUNGAL STRAIN SELECTION + ASSOCIATED ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS

Fungi strains are very diverse and have different requirements in terms of substrate to digest, environmental conditions to grow and sterility of the environmnent in which the growth is coreographed. Through conversations with mycologists and a material scientist working with mycelium, I came at the conclusion that the species Pleurotus Ostreatus is the most suitable for the exploration of this thesis. Oyster mushrooms are one of the most resilient fungi strains, they have one of the most extensive digestion capacity, meaning that it does not require a specific substrate, but can digest a variety of organic materials. Last but not least, they are local species which are commonly found in the United Kingdom.

Binomial nomenclature

Pleurotus Ostreatus

Common name

Oyster Mushrooms

Inoculation rate

mix with aprox 2% spawn

Substrate

wood waste + green waste: hardwood sawdust, straw, shredded branches, agriculture byproducts

Incubation

room temperature: substrate temperature:

20-22 degrees Celcius 25-30 degrees Celcius

https://urban-farm-it.com/product/blue-grey-oyster-mushroom-grain-spawn/

RISK ASSESMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS

* Having participated in various conferences on desiging with fungi, I have learned from Utreht University professor van den Brandhof that desiging with mycelium implies risks and the selection of the deployed fungi needs to be done carefully by taking into consideration the following recommendations.

-resilience to contamination : Pleurotus Ostreatus - the most resilient mushroom strain used in mycelium composite experiementation - local species - not pathogenic to humans, animals or plants - not produce mycotoxins

Extract from Mycology for Architecture Symposium held online on 24.02.2022

- use sporeless strains

Pleurotus Ostreatus

Extract from Mycelium Running written by Paul Stamets

WHAT DO FUNGI EAT?

Unlike plants, which use carbon dioxide and light as sources of carbon and energy, respectively, fungi meet these two requirements by assimilating preformed organic matter; carbohydrates are generally the preferred carbon source. Fungi can readily absorb and metabolize a variety of soluble carbohydrates, such as glucose, xylose, sucrose, and fructose. Fungi are also characteristically well equipped to use insoluble carbohydrates such as starches, cellulose, and hemicelluloses, as well as very complex hydrocarbons such as lignin. To use insoluble carbohydrates and proteins, fungi must first digest these polymers extracellularly. Saprotrophic fungi obtain their food from dead organic material. fungi are aerobic organisms, meaning they require free oxygen in order to live. https://www.britannica.com/science/fungus/Nutrition

PLEUROTUS OSTRATUS Mushrooms such as Pleurotus spp. are cultivated on substrates made of various lignocellulosic wastes [14, 16–19], and to a lesser extent on different types of waste paper or cellulose-rich materials [20–24]. https://databas.resource-sip.se/storage/Grimm%202020%20 Cultivation%20of%20Pleurotus%20ostreatus%20Mushroom%20on%20Substrates%20Made%20of%20Cellulose%20 Fibre%20Rejects%20Product%20Quality%20and%20Spent%20 Substrate%20Fuel%20Properties.pdf

CARBOHYDRATES

POSSIBLE SUBSTRATES

PAPER WASTE

STARCH

CARDBOARD WASTE

Polymers of lignocellulose CELLULOSE

TREE PRUNNING WASTE

HEMICELLULOSE

WOOD WASTE

LIGNIN

AGRICULTURAL WASTE

TEXTILE WASTE

RE-GROWING ON WASTE Digesting inefficiency

agricultural fields around Birmingham

visit of sawing facility

agricultural waste

sawn dust

AGRICULTURAL WASTE

SAWING INDUSTRY

Birmingham District Brewery

coffee shop in Birmingham

brewer’s spent grain

coffe waste

BREWERIES

COFFEE SHOPS

Brewer’s Spent Grain is the industrial moniker used to describe the malt after a brewery has already used it to make beer. Malt is generally made from barley that has been soaked, sprouted, and dried. The grain is deemed “spent” because it cannot be used to make more beer, as most of its starches have been extracted by the brewery to provide fermentable sugars to the yeast.

MYCELIUM COMPOSITE MORPHOLOGY

mycelium

feedstock

mycelium composite

mycelium + feedstock

hypha

mannoproteins

growth tip

b-glucans chitin hyphal wall

fungal cell wall

cell membrane

membrane proteins

molecular structure

MYCELIUM COMPOSITE GROWTH

The Mycelium has a structure of microscopic filaments called hyphae that expand in the form of a network in a rhizomatic way, feeding on inert matter, agglomerating organic waste and generating a structure that has the ability to acquire a final structural resistance. In turn, it is characterized by its great lightness, its flame retardant and thermoacoustic properties, and its good buoyancy due to its porosity.

Being composed of organic waste and a living organism, the biomaterial obtained is completely biodegradable and compostable, so that once its function is fulfilled over time it can return to the environment in the form of compost, closing the circular chain and returning to the beginning to nourish the earth and

_substrate composition: 40% sawn wood 30% straw 10% paper pulp 10% calcium sulphate 5% pleuratos ostreatus spawn _growing preparation: _growing conditions: incubation temp: 20-24 degrees Celcius humidity: 60 %

_growth time: Day 1 _digestion percentage: 2%

_growth time: Day 3 _digestion percentage: 5%

_growth time: Day 6 _digestion percentage: 9%

_growth time: Day 9 _digestion percentage: 15%

BEYOND

WASTE

TOWARDS REGENERATIVE PRACTICES

The project argues that is not enough to move towards a circular economy, but instead we should develop regenerative practice to replenish resources, enhance biodiversity and bioregenerate wasted and polluted lands for the benefits of all species. Not only is it possible, it would also have a beneficial economical impact if we increase the framework in which we look at the material world. The project takes, therefore, the landfill as a site tht needs urgent recosideration of its practices. ‘Waste’ is a human concept for matter that does no longer serves a use. In a forest, for example, there is no waste. The falling leaves of trees are digested by mycelium and decompose on the forest floor, nourishing back the trees and all the life that lives underneath. The project looks at alternative ways of material sourcing that don’t depend neither on extraction nor cultivation, but regrowth from organic waste streams. It speculates on the implication of designing with the living by deploying microorganisms, namely mycelium, in territorial remediation and material formation. By giving ‘use’ to ‘waste’, the concept of waste becomes redundant. The landfill transformes from a place of material disposal to a place of material renewal.

FROM MATERIAL DISPOSAL TO MATERIAL RE-GROWTH

Composting Widrow Facility Packington Landfill, Birmingham Site Visit, January 2022 32

organic waste

food energy

Inputs

Human Habitats

Outputs

emissions inorganic waste

goods linear economy

recycled

renewable inputs

organic waste

reduced pollution and waste

Human Habitats

recycled

inorganic waste

circular economy

decomposing mycelium matter

nutrient rich compost

mycoremediation

fungi spores

green energy mycelium materuials clean water

Planetary Habitats

oragnic substrate

recycled

inorganic waste

regenerative economy

A Modern History of Waste

WASTE in relationship with the INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION and the URBAN GROWTH of cities Following the onset of industrialization and the sustained urban growth of large population centres in England, the buildup of waste in the cities caused a rapid deterioration in levels of sanitation and the general quality of urban life. The streets became choked with filth due to the lack of waste clearance regulations. Calls for the establishment of a municipal authority with waste removal powers were mooted as early as 1751 by Corbyn Morris in London, who proposed that “...as the preservation of the health of the people is of great importance, it is proposed that the cleaning of this city, should be put under one uniform public management, and all the filth be...conveyed by the Thames to proper distance in the country”.

WASTE and PROFITABILITY

WASTE and HEALTH CONCERNS

The first occurrence of organised solid waste management system appeared in London in the late 18th century. A waste collection and resource recovery system was established around the ‘dust-yards’. Main constituent of municipal waste was the coal ash (‘dust’) which had a market value for brick-making and as a soil improver. Such profitability encouraged dust-contractors to recover effectively 100% of the residual wastes remaining after readily saleable items and materials had been removed by the informal sector in the streets (‘rag-and-bone men’). Therefore, this was an early example of organised, municipal-wide solid waste management. The dust-yard system had been working successfully up to middle 1850s, when the market value of ‘dust’ collapsed. It was important in facilitating a relatively smooth transition to an institutionalised, municipally-run solid waste management system in England.

In the mid-19th century, spurred by increasingly devastating cholera outbreaks and the emergence of a public health debate that the first consolidated legislation on the issue emerged. Highly influential in this new focus was the report The Sanitary Condition of the Labouring Population in 1842 of the social reformer, Edwin Chadwick, in which he argued for the importance of adequate waste removal and management facilities to improve the health and wellbeing of the city’s population. Chadwick’s proposals were based on the miasmatic theory of disease transmission, which was proven to be false following the turn of the 1900s.

The DUST-BIN emerged as new LEGISATION was developed

NEW TECHNOLOGY developed around the ACT of COLLECTING WASTE

LANDFILLING

The Nuisance Removal and Disease Prevention Act of 1846 began what was to be a steadily evolving process of the provision of regulated waste management in London. The Metropolitan Board of Works was the first citywide authority that centralized sanitation regulation for the rapidly expanding city and the Public Health Act 1875 made it compulsory for every household to deposit their weekly waste in ‘moveable receptacles’ for disposal - the first concept for a dust-bin.

Early garbage removal trucks were simply open bodied dump trucks pulled by a team of horses. They became motorized in the early part of the 20th century and the first close body trucks to eliminate odours with a dumping lever mechanism were introduced in the 1920s in Britain. These were soon equipped with ‘hopper mechanisms’ where the scooper was loaded at floor level and then hoisted mechanically to deposit the waste in the truck. The Garwood Load Packer was the first truck in 1938, to incorporate a hydraulic compactor.

Landfills in the United Kingdom are historically very important resources for waste disposal. As it was so important it has become excessively used to the point where some landfills are at capacity. This is because before the 1980s the UK government previously used the “dilute and disperse” method of waste. The UK is now looking for options to reduce the levels of their landfill sites through legislation.

The ultimate disposal: INCINERATION The dramatic increase in waste for disposal led to the creation of the first incineration plants, or, as they were then called, ‘destructors’. In 1874, the first incinerator was built in Nottingham by Manlove, Alliott & Co. Ltd. to the design of Alfred Fryer. However, these were met with opposition on account of the large amounts of ash they produced and which wafted over the neighbouring areas.

This is a United Kingdom national strategy of which member states set up methods to target biodegradable materials in landfills. These methods include and are mainly composed of recycling, composting, and biogas production.

FROM PUBLIC TO PRIVATE TO A GLOBAL CONCENTRATION OF POWER

The Public Health Act 1875 Municipal waste management has been under the control of local councils since the 1875 Public Health Act. In the UK, the Public Health Act 1875 required householders to store their rubbish in dustbins and made local authorities responsible for the removal and disposal of waste, which led to the development of the modern landfill.

WW2 Material Resources The Salvage Department The Ministry of Supply established a Salvage Department under the leadership of two important figures, Harold Judd and J.C. Dawes, who remained with the Department and its various wartime and postwar incarnations for approximately ten years each. During Britain’s darkest hours, waste became an essential source of supply. From 1940 onwards, Judd and Dawes coordinated reclamation programmes designed to attenuate shortages in raw materials, such as wood pulp, aluminum, and iron.

The Environmental Protection Act 1990 The UK Environmental Protection Act 1990 uses the term ‘waste’ to cover most unwanted materials, including any scrap material, effluent or unwanted surplus substance or article that requires to be disposed of because it is broken, worn out, contaminated or otherwise spoiled. I. Integrated Pollution Control and Air Pollution Control by Local Authorities II. Waste on Land III. Satutory Nuissances and Clean Air IV. Litter, etc. V. Radioactive Substances VI. Genetically Modified Organissm VII. Nature Conservation and Countryside Matters VIII. Miscellaneous IX. General

CONCENTRATED CORPORATE POWER Veolia and Suez The respective powers of these two giants, and their ownership of some of the UK’s largest and most geographically extensive Energy Recovery Facilities and Materials Recovery Facilities, mean it will be increasingly hard for others to compete. One of the key ways vertically integrated waste firms have solidified control is through landfill ownership. It gives them a competitive edge in bidding for collection and hauling contracts against companies that have to pay disposal fees to landfills. To secure that advantage, companies have strived to maximize the percentage of the waste they collect to deposit in their own landfills.

SITE - PACKINGTON FORMER LANDFILL

SITE DESCRIPTION Packington landfill site was one of the largest and most strategically located waste management facilities in the West Midlands. Site access is from the A446 for all site and operational traffic. The Birmingham conurbation is situated to the west of the landfill and the M6 motorway lies a short distance to the north of the site. The immediate surroundings are rural in character with agriculture the predominant land use. Residential dwellings in the immediate vicinity of the landfill site are limited. PLANNING HISTORY Packington has a long history of mineral working and waste disposal. Prior to the Second World War the Midland Gravel Co. began sand and gravel working on part of the site. Mineral working continued under a variety of operators after 1945, with waste infilling of the abandoned sand and gravel pits commencing in the 1960’s. Various permissions were granted during the 1970’s and 1980’s. Existing Site Operations Landfilling has now ceased and capping and restoration of the final worked areas is ongoing. Within the site are two Open Windrow composting operations, a wood processing facility (60,000 tpa) and a leachate treatment plant, treating leachate produced from the landfill and additional from other Suez landfills when capacity exists. There is also an administrative office building accessed from Packington Lane. The weighbridge and weighbridge offices are located at the site access from the A442. Their presence will continue to be required for a number of years to service restoration works, the composting and wood shredding facilities and the Leachate Treatment plant. Additionally there is Packington Gas Utilisation Plant to the east of Packington Lane which exports renewable electricity to the National Grid using the landfill gas generated from within Packington Landfill Site. Current estimates are that generation from the landfill gas will continue for a period in excess of 20 years (from the final waste entering the site) as the volumes of generated gas follow a steady decline in line with the degradation of the waste.

Odour The site conducts daily odour assessments to identify any sources of malodour and always takes steps to mitigate if required. Odour management in compost is dependent on a number of factors. It is important that the feedstock has the right Carbon: Nitrogen ratio; the shred size must be closely managed, and the moisture content is also vital. There must be the right balance of all three when the windrows are formed for effective composting and these are closely managed by site staff. The material is monitored daily for temperature and moisture content and is turned regularly to ensure good homogenisation and to manage moisture and oxygen levels. The site also has a perimeter misting system which can be used to disperse odour neutralising agents should any maldours be generated.

https://planning.warwickshire.gov.uk/swiftlg/MediaTemp/7921-15326.pdf https://planning.warwickshire.gov.uk/swiftlg/MediaTemp/7920-15319.pdf

SITE HISTORY EXTRACTING - DISPOSING - COVERING - REGENERATING

1960s

1945

EXTRACTION OF MINERALS FORMER QUARRY Packington has a long history of mineral working and waste disposal. Prior to World War 2, Midland Gravel Co. began sand and gravel working on part of the site. After 1945, mineral working continued under a variety of operators

LARGEST LANDFILL in UK - Packington In 1960, waste was infilling the abandoned sand and gravel pits. Packington landfill site become one of the largest and most strategically located waste management facilities in the West Midlands. Packington takes rubbish from Birmingham and Warwickshire but has previously accepted waste from locations including London and Glasgow. Today, Packington covers around 380 acres of former grassland with more than 19m tonnes of waste. Once it is full, it will be covered with a non-permeable layer of clay or plastic, followed by a layer of soil, in which grass will be planted. Some 15 miles of underground pipework siphon away the methane gas produced by to generate electricity.

The first landfill gas flare at the Packington Landfill Site in 1986

ongoing capping procedures

GAS GENERATION - the afterlife

CAPPING - the end of life

There is Packington Gas Utilisation Plant to the east of Packington Lane which exports renewable electricity to the National Grid using the landfill gas generated from within Packington Landfill Site.

Landfilling has now ceased and capping and restoration of the final worked areas is ongoing. Within the site are two Open Windrow composting operations, a wood processing facility (60,000 tpa) and a leachate treatment plant, treating leachate produced from the landfill and additional from other Suez landfills when capacity exists. There is also an administrative office building accessed from Packington Lane.

Current estimates are that generation from the landfill gas will continue for a period in excess of 20 years (from the final waste entering the site) as the volumes of generated gas follow a steady decline in line with the degradation of the waste. Sita will continue to extract methane gas from the rotting heap via a 14-mile network of pipes and around 300 extraction points. It is then burnt at the onsite gas plant to run turbines that produce 7MW of power – enough for 25,000 homes. It will also continue to build its garden waste composting, and wood recycling operations at Packington.

SUBSTRATE OPPORTUNITIES CURRENTLY ARRIVING ON SITE

MUSHROOM SUBSTRATE = GREEN WASTE

Today, green waste and wood waste still reach the site and are treated in the wood shredding facility to be further send to an incinerator. The composting facility piles organic waste in widrows, shreds the materials and enhances the decomposition phase by controlling the temperature and oxygenation of these piles. The project will work with these material streams that reach the site and with the help of mycelium as well as landfill and laboratory techniques will transform those wasted resources into valuable building material and a subject of study and enquiry of alternative futures.

Green waste is the waste that arises from landscaping or gardening work and generally consists of leaves, twigs, small branches, bushes and grass. Packington Open Widrow Composting Facility (OWC) receives public green waste from gardens, parks and commercial activities,but no organic waste / food waste which makes it perfect to be used as a substrate for the mycelium to grow on. Normally, that type of green waste if left where it fell in the parks and gardens would likely increase the mycelial network in the woil and its nutritive capacity. Green waste is brought onto the site and deposited in the area designated for waste reception. The waste is then checked and then shredded. Once shredded the green waste is placed into a windrow. Each windrow will not exceed 4m in height. Compost is manufactured through the aerobic degradation of organic material such as garden and park waste. In the case of the Packington operation the compost is being manufactured predominantly for use in the agricultural market and is derived from civic amenity and kerbside collected garden waste plus commercial green and municipal park waste. The composting process utilises the controlled degradation of the organic matter to generate microbial communities and generate heat which remove pathogens from the compost and break down the organic structure into an organic rich material, known as compost. The process is monitored to ensure that it remains aerobic, the correct moisture content is maintained and that temperatures remain at an optimum for the process to work effectively. * Technologies of recording and assessing temperature of the greenwaste and the moisture content could be transfered and used during the construction process in the growing of the mycelium composite building material.

https://planning.warwickshire.gov.uk/swiftlg/MediaTemp/7921-15326.pdf

Composting Widrow Facility Packington Landfill, Birmingham Site Visit, January 2022 42

moving waste

oxygenation

shredding

WOODSHREDDING FACILITY

OPEN WIDROW COMPOSTING FACILITY

5,000 tonnes on site per annum

35,000 tonnes of green waste per annum Comprising: -garden and park waste -civic amenity -kerbside collected garden waste -commercial green waste -municipal park waste

grass hedge clippings plants weeds leaves bush prunings & leaves

sawed wood

croaker

wood board

wood rake

wood chips

sawdust

tree prunings & leaves ( ensure prunings are no more than 5cm or 2 inches in diameter)

leaves

grass trimmings

tree branches

bark

dead plants and flowers

hedge clippings and weeds

OAW AND WOOD SHREDDING SITES IN RELATIONSHIP WITH THE BUILDING

Open Air Windrow Composting (OAW)

The wood pad at Packington – which has around 5,000 tonnes on site - ships processed wood to power stations

WASTE TREATMENT FACILITIES - revealing opportunities and alternative routes of biodegradble waste streams

Treatment categories of waste are:

MATERIAL BREAKDOWN for each final TREATMENT METHOD, UK, 2018 - proportion of tonnages:

RECOVERY means ‘any operation the principal result of which is waste serving a useful purpose by replacing other materials which would otherwise have been used to fulfil a particular function.’ RECYCLING is a subset of recovery and means ‘any recovery operation by which waste materials are reprocessed into products, materials or substances whether for the original or other purposes. It includes the reprocessing of organic material (e.g. composting, anaerobic digestion etc.) but excludes the use as fuels and the use for backfilling operations.’ ENERGY RECOVERY refers to facilities where the main purpose is generation of energy, and formal R1 accreditation has been awarded. Only a subset of these are dedicated to the processing of ‘municipal waste’. Facilities without formal R1 accreditation are reported as ‘Incineration’ rather than ‘Energy Recovery’ even if they produce some energy. BACKFILLING means ‘a recovery operation where waste is used in excavated areas (such as underground mines, gravel pits) for the purpose of slope reclamation or safety or for engineering purposes in landscaping and where the waste is substituting other non-waste materials which would have had to be used for the purpose.’ DISPOSAL means ‘any operation which is not recovery even where the operation has as a secondary consequence the reclamation of substances or energy’ (e.g. landfill, incineration). opportunities of material renewal from ‘waste’ through the partial digestion and binding of mycelium

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1002246/UK_stats_on_waste_ statistical_notice_July2021_accessible_FINAL.pdf#%5B%7B%22 num%22%3A7%2C%22gen%22%3A0%7D%2C%7B%22name%

! incineration releases the emodied CO2. I propose an alternative of material recovery instead of incineration of woodwaste and green waste, material renewal through the partial digestion and binding of mycelium.

‘Rising greenhouse gas emissions from the incineration of waste and stagnating recycling rates will stop the UK reaching net zero by 2050, according to analysis presented to government.’ https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/nov/15/greenhouse-gases-waste-and-recyclingrates-could-stop-uk-net-zero-goal

Mycelium digests between 10-20% of the mass of the composite, releasing the equivalent of the CO2 emobied in that 10-20%, while the rest remains locked in the material for the time of its use until it’s being left to decompose and serve as a fertilizer. For the end of life opportunity of nourishing the soil, the design of the material needds to carefully exculde any non-degradable material, or if it uses fixtures, screws etc, it needs to make sure that they are easy to disassemble before the material is shredded and layed on land.

UK GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS Just over 4% of total UK greenhouse gas emissions in 2019 came from the waste sector, which produced 22 megatonnes of CO2. Energy from waste incinerators produced about 5 MtCO2, nearly a quarter of the total emissions from the sector. “The significant decrease in local authority waste going to landfill has been accompanied by a greater proportion being incinerated for energy recovery rather than recycled or composted in England. This has caused waste emissions to rise since 2014,” the NIC said. Use of landfill – which made GHG emissions peak in the mid-90s – has plummeted since the introduction of a landfill tax. Landfill still accounts for 14 megatonnes of CO2 annually, more than half the total emissions from the waste sector. The report points out that emissions from energy recovery plants are still significantly lower than landfill and displace emissions that would otherwise be created by alternative forms of electricity generation.

OBSERVATIONS:

PROPOSAL:

The WASTE SECTOR produced 4% of greenhouse gas emissions - 22 megatonnes, from which:

I propose to offer alternatives to landfilling and incineration practices, by diverting the biodegradable waste, namely the packaging, wood and green waste, from landfilling, composting facikities of incinaration practices towards mycelial binindg into new valuable materials, with longer life span material being preferred like construction materials, furniture or long use objects.

LANDFILLING 14 MtCO2 INCINERATION 5 MtCO2 TOTAL 19 MtCO2 out of 22 MtCO2 total per waste sector

PACKINGTON LADNFILL 1960

BIODEGRADABLE WASTE

BIODEGRADABLE MUNICIPALL WASTE (BMW) TO LANDFILL UK AND COUNTRY SPLIT 2010-19

UK BMW sent to landfill in 2019 was 6.6 million tonnes. UK tonnages of BMW to landfill have reduced each year since 2010, except in 2016 when there was a small increase. England is responsible for over three quarters (82%) of UK BMW to landfill, generating 5.4 million tonnes of the 6.6 million tonnes UK total in 2019.

WASTE GENERATION BY WASTE MATERIAL, UK ,2018

opportunities of material renewal from ‘waste’ through the partial digestion and binding of mycelium

GREEN WASTE

The collection and recovery of organic wastes can assist local authorities in implementing more sustainable resource practices and meeting their targets for material recovery. Green waste is a high-volume resource flow. Green waste from urban areas represents a potentially large, underutilised resource. The biodegradable fractions (i.e., excluding soil and stones) of garden waste (also called yard waste) and park waste which together make up green waste are classified in the European waste catalogue with the waste code 200201. While park waste mainly arises under the direct management of public authorities in public spaces, garden waste occurs on private properties and its generation and handling are subject to decisions of the individual households. Sound garden waste management is an essential element in sustainable waste management practices and a shift towards more circular economies. Green waste from gardens typically consists of grass cuttings, hedge prunings, leaves and bark, flowers, branches, twigs and other woody material, whole plants, or plant parts removed. In England and Wales around 90% of households have access to a private garden [ 22, 23 ], and garden waste on average represents 21% of the household waste (on weight basis), which is higher than the average kitchen waste arising (17% of total household waste). This makes garden waste quantitatively the dominant component of the biodegradable municipal waste stream in the UK.

https://mdpi-res.com/d_attachment/resources/resources-09-00008/article_deploy/resources-09-00008.pdf?version=1579180327

LANDFILL LAYERS AND SITUATED PROJECT

slope stabilization

moniforting well

Packington Landfill, Birmingham Site Visit, January 2022 50

control of runoff

final landfill surface

pervious layer for liner protection and leachate collection

impervious layer

gas vents

leachate collection

soil layer to establish vegetation

leachate detection layer

sealing layer

intermediate layer

PROPOSED SITE FOR INTERVENTION

moniforting well

runon control

secondary liner

SITE PLAN

GROWTH AND CONSTRUCTION PROTOCOLS

prepare timber emelents

bend timber emelents

weave secondary skin

sterilize mould modular component

prepare mould

BUILDING WITH THE LIVING

CONTAMINATED modules will go directly i

inoculation

cloning

extract fungi strains from local environments

clone strains + grow

shred substrate mixture

sterilize substrate mixture

growth

cool down

inoculate

grow mycelium

green waste = substrate supplements water

heat pressure

heat

fungi

moisture light CO2

GREEN WASTE

mould & grow mycelium

heat mycelium (kiln)

hot pressing

tile & weld pre-grown mycelium components

dry mycelium (stop growth)

cold pressing

most resilient local species

agricultural waste leaves bush and tree prunnings branches grass hedge clippings

PLEURATUS OSTREATUS

sterilized autoclave environments

depending on the summer temperature oscillations

TIMELINE BUILDING WITH GROWTH

Day x

extract fungi strains

Day x

Day x+2

strain cloning

transfer + grow on liquid

fungi sprawn

transfer + grow on grains

Day x+5

Day x+12

‘global’ mould

‘local’ mould

transfer + inoculation + grow on substrate

overlaying + natural welding process

Day x+14

canopy module

dessication temperature: summer

CONTAMINATION RISK

*moments of transfer can increase the chances of contamination *however, the more mycelium has grown throughout the substrate, the more resilient the mycelial network is in the face of contaminants like bacteria, mould (unicelullar fungi, etc)

dessication

Day x+21

heat

moisture

into

mycoremediating the former landfill

treatment

apply natural resin for the material to keep its integrity

composting

expose to rain and bacteria

break down the shell in smaller elements

mycoremediation

open patches of landfill

burry decomposing matter and mycelium sprawn

moisture soil nutrients CO2

pollutants heavy metals leachate

+ increase degradation/ digestion nurishment

CONSTRU GROWTH

UCTION + H

03.a

GROUND WORKS

failed experiments / contaminated building parts

compost / mycoremediation / laboratory

LANDFILL

BUILDING

material input

wood reclamation

green waste

soil compost

BUILDING ON A LANDFILL Two of the major issues when prepping a landfill site for building are dealing with gases that emanate from the site and subsidence, or sinking and settling of the land as waste decomposes. As the waste sinks and settles over time, not only do depressions develop on the surface of the site, but leachate, or liquid, passes through the waste carrying contaminants as it goes, possibly spoiling ground water and the surrounding soil.

As far as the waste is concerned, it’s common for developers to move the waste, consolidate it and then encapsulate it away from where buildings will be constructed, according to Amarandos. If there is no other option than to build directly over waste material, contractors must anchor the foundation into solid ground beneath the waste with, for example, a deep foundation with piles.

In addition, gas or vapors from the decomposing material works its way into surrounding soil and then up and out of the ground. If there are no structures on top of the site, the gas releases into the air. If it’s trapped by a building’s foundation, the result can be a dangerous accumulation of gas. To mitigate the risk, contractors can install a permeable layer of gravel, which provides a pathway of escape for gas, and then a membrane underneath the slab of a building, Amarandos said. The gas can then be piped out from underneath the building, up the sides and then released at rooftop level.

RETAINING SOIL _ BUILDING UNDERGROUND

GRAVITY WALL

ANCHORED WALL

This wall type holds the earth mainly though its own weight. Can pivot and topple relatively easily as the internal leverage of the earth pressure is very high.

This wall keeps itself from toppling by having cables driven into the soil or rock, fixed by expanding anchors (can be combined with other types of walls).

earth pressure vector

reactive force vector

gravity vector (of wall)

reactive force vector

CANTILEVER WALL

PILING WALL

Using long piles, this wall is fixed by soil on both sides of its lower lenght. If the piles themselves can resist the bending forces, this wall can take high loads.

The cantilever wall (which may also extend in the other direction) uses the same earth pressure trying to topple it to stabilize itself with a second lever arm.

earth pressure vector

reactive force vector

reactive force vector gravity vector (of wall)

reactive force vector

GABION RETAINING WALLS

STABILITY GUIDE a) 2:1 Ratio: The height of the retaining wall should not be more than double the size of the base. b) 6-Degree Slope: The wall should be on a 6-degree slope. It’s possible to have a straight wall but they need to be thicker. c) Base Width: The wider the base, the lower the pressure on the soil. Spreading the load in this way allows for the wall to be placed on weaker soils.

d) DRAINAGE Gabions are porous, allowing water to run through and prevent pressure build-up that can cause other types of retaining walls to collapse. When installing the cages, ensure that a geotextile (commercial jobs) or a weed mat (residential jobs) is covering the back of the wall. This will stop clay and thicker earth clogging up the back of the cages and preventing water from getting through.

https://www.wirefence.co.uk/gabion/wall/ https://www.wirefence.co.uk/pdf/WF-PDF-HOW-TO-INSTALL-A-GABION-WALL.pdf 62

Step 1 - Survey: Have a civil engineer to identify the area that the wall should be placed. Step 2 - Excavate: Regulations state that retaining walls should start at 500mm below ground. Smaller constructions are often placed at ground level.

1+2

Step 3 - Add Basecourse: Add a layer of Type 1 basecourse made up of crushed Granite Limestone, Basalt or Gritstone. ● 1m high = 10cm basecourse ● 2m high = 20cm basecourse ● 3m high + = 30cm basecourse Step 4 - Compact Basecourse: Use a plate compactor to compact the basecourse. Step 5 - Geotextile: Cover the back of the cages with a geotextile or weed mat to prevent soil and earth clogging up behind.

5+6

Step 6 - Concrete Foundation (If required): Most gabion walls do not require a foundation. If you have a large amount of groundwater or the soil is weak, consult a Civil Engineer. They can perform a Scala Penetrometer foundation test to accurately measure the strength of the soil.

GROUND IMPROVEMENT WORKS VIBRO STONE COLUMN to stabilize the ground and anchor the lightweight building This technique involves the improvement of weak soils by the installation of densely compacted columns made from gravel or similar material with a vibrator. The displacement process reinforces all soils in the treatment zone and densifies surrounding granular soils. It is a technique developed by Johann Keller in UK.

1. penetration

Common uses: - Reduce foundation settlement - Increase bearing capacity, allowing reduction in footing size - Increase stiffness - Increase shear strength - Reduce permeability - Mitigate potential for liquefaction - Permits shallow footing construction in treated fills - Very effective for sand compaction and land reclamation

2. withdrawal

https://www.keller.co.uk/expertise/techniques/vibro-stone-columns

vibro prob insertion

final stone column

lateral expansion of clay soil

Instalation of vibro stone column

wick drains

stone columns

2b 2a

stone columns in sand

2b 2a

stone columns in silty sands

Initial iteration of underground material growth laboratories

Process

Advantages

1. PENETRATION

3. BACKFILLING

At full water pressure the oscillating vibrator penetrates to the design depth and is surged up and down as necessary to agitate the granular soil, remove fines and form an annular gap around the vibrator. At full depth the water flow is reduced.

Around the vibrator a crater develops which is backfilled with sand, which is either imported (A) or taken from the existing soil (B). For this purpose a volume of up to 15 % of the treated soil volume is required. 4. FINISHING

2. COMPACTION The compaction is carried out in steps from the maximum depth of penetration upwards. It encompasses a cylindrical soil body of up to 5 m diameter. The increase in density is indicated by a rise in power consumption of the vibrator.

After completion of the compaction, the surface is re-levelled and compacted with a vibratory roller. https://www.keller.co.uk/sites/keller-uk/ files/2019-03/vibro-techniques-brochure-keller-uk. pdf

Offers an economical alternative to piling A versatile ground-improvement method than can be adjusted to a wide variety of soil conditions and foundation requirements Can be carried out to depths of up to 15 metres Relatively quick execution so subsequent structural works can follow very quickly Enables standard shallow foundations which can lead to savings Environmentally-friendly as recycled materials can be used Extremely quiet with low vibration https://www.keller.co.uk/expertise/techniques/ vibro-stone-columns

vibro stone columns spacing: 2 x 2 meters diameter: 70 cm depth: 7 m

EXCAVATION AND BACKFILLING

calculate depth needed for a 23 m wide sunken building = aprox 8 m retaining wall

elevate underground structure by 2 m and fill in around building to create the appearence of a cut in the landscape without needing to dig too deep

use the excavated soil to backfill around the building edge

The quantity of earth dug out in order to make space for the building at the top of the slope is approximately: UNDERGROUND EXCAVATION 79.8 sqm in section x 39 m long UG = 3,112 cubic meters of excavated soil BACKFILLING 75,7 sqm in section x 70 m = 5,299 cubic meters of backilled soil

CONSTRUCTION STAGES

TOOLS, PROCESSES INFLUENCE ROOM DIMENSIONS AND THEIR RELATIONSHIPS

10. 2.

11. 8. 1. FUNGAL MYCELIUM 2. HYPHAE EXTRACTION 4.

3. MYCELIUM CULTIVATION 4. MIXING PROCESS 5. MOULD 6. MATERIAL GROWTH

7. THERMAL TREATMENT 8. GROWN BUILDING ELEMENT 9. BIOLOGICAL DECOMPOSITION

7. 10. BIOLOGICAL NUTRIENTS 6.

11. SUBSTRATE

Based on the dimensions of the tools needed in the underground growing facility (autoclaves, shredders etc) the sizes of the rooms have been established. The relationship between the rooms follows the growing protocol of the material composite.

GROUNDFLOOR LABS AND GROWING CHAMBER

DIFFERENT LEVEL OF STERILIZATION IN SPACES ACCORDING TO GROWING NEEDS Fungi are in competition with other bacteria or uni-cellular fungi and are prone to contamination and hence decomposition if they lose the battle of growth. The risk of contamination decreases with the growth and multiplication of hyphae, the mycelium becoming stronger and more resilient against its competitors. For this reason, sterilized environments are important in the first stages of material manipulation.

ACCESS TO OVERGROUND

3. A.

B. 2.

1. SUBSTRATE STORAGE 2. SUBSTRATE SHREDDING 3. STERILIZATION PROCESS 4. ASSEMBLY AND GROWING CHAMBER A. STRAIN STUDY AND MULTIPLICATION B. STRAIN STORAGE AND LIBRARY

MATERIAL TRANSFORMATION PROCESSES JOURNEY

UNDERGROUND ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS AND CONSIDERATIONS

The first stage of construction process is the underground growing facility and labs. Built in a conventional manner, but avoiding the use of concrete, it becomes the space from which the rest of the building canopy is grown, assembled and dried out.

Average High and Low Temperature in Birmingham when is COLD: GROUND TEMP > AIR TEMP when is HOT: GROUND TEMP < AIR TEMP

MINIMIZING THE NEED FOR ARTIFICIAL COOLING AND HEATING SYSTEMS Hosting the process of material growth at large scale, the environment needs to be moderated and controlled. Earth is a good moderator of temperature change and for this reason, the growing facility is built underground, to offer a climatic stability and reduce the need of energy consumtion to keep the environments at a optimal temperature that favors the growth of the mycelium composite materials.

AVERAGE GROUND TEMPERATURES : SUMMER: 16 °C WINTER: 6 °C

Analysis of the average temperatures during winter and summer results in average ground temperatures which influence the ‘cave-like’ environmental conditions of the growing facility.

Studying the environmnetal conditions in Birmingham and taking into consideration the average low temperatures and the average high temperatures in winter and summer respectively, the growth time as well as the operating times of the buildings can be coreographed in tune with the changing environment, relaying as little as possible on artificial heating or cooling systems. When those systems are needes, however, the spaces have been designed at a minimum footprint and with a thicker wall section to minimize the use of energy.

Average Hourly Temperature in Birmingham

OPENING TIMES MODERATED ACCORDING TO TEMPERATURES AND COMFORT

WINTER: 08:00 - 16:00 SUMMER: 08:00 - 20:00

Time Spent in Various Temperature Bands and the Growing Season in Birmingham

GROWING PERIODS COREOGRAPHED IN TUNE WITH THE SEASONS AND CORRESPONDING TEMP.

GROWING TIME: MID MAY - MID AUGUST

Climate in Birmingham

CASE STUDY - Batlle i Roig

agricultural techniques

Gravity Wall

The landscape restoration of this landfill site seeks to make compatible in a single operation the three basic goals required by this type of intervention: to address a complex technical problem, to obtain a new open-air space and to define a new landscape. This project seeks to optimise the best technical solutions for closing and sealing off the site, addressing the complex technical problems that these types of actions require and adapting the solutions adopted to the considerable slopes of the place. The intervention seeks to enhance the open-air space that can be recovered by restoring it. The proposed restoration seeks to integrate the landfill site into the natural park of El Garraf, using the resource of nearby agri-forest mosaics and boosting the development of the new ecosystems established here. The new terraces created meet both the technical needs for closing and sealing it off and the determination to establish a new path and to create a new landscape that integrates into its setting. 76

Of the three original objectives, the third, to construct a new landscape, was influenced by a particular desire to integrate the former landfill into Garraf Natural Park. Obviously, the then morphology of the site was completely different to its original state. However, in other places in Garraf there are cultivated valleys that have been modified by agricultural techniques adapted to the geography, with systems of terrace construction, drainage and farming that were very similar to the technical needs involved in closing and capping the landfill. Yet it was not just this similarity that attracted us; it was also the conviction that the use of agricultural systems was by far the most effective and logical way of intervening in the restoration of damaged landscapes, thanks to their capacity to provide guidelines for organization, maintenance and continuance.

conversion of landfill into a farming landscape

This conversion of a landfill into a farming landscape was based on three key factors: topography, hydraulics and vegetation. The topographic system was addressed by the capping project. Whereas the project for closure of the landfill involved channels and embankments, the landscape restoration project had recourse to farmed terraces, tree-planted plots and fields of crops. The hydraulic requirements for the implantation of the new landscape had to be addressed in the project. The various drainage systems existing on the series of terraces were used for this purpose, channelling rainwater to cisterns that we inserted in the banks of the landfill, and the irrigation system was run on the energy produced by the transformation of biogas.

replanting

Finally, for the replanting of the site we used resistant native species that require little water and are adapted to the environment. The vegetation introduced includes a range of bramble, scrub and Mediterranean maquis, trees and shrubs, and native leguminous crops in reference to the surrounding mosaic of farmland and woods, promoting the succession of the primary ecosystems on the site, which will, in time, develop and adapt to the environment. The crops envisaged for the series of terraces should also evolve with time to adapt fully to the site. The terraces will be cultivated for a period of time until the slopes are consolidated, then the crops will be allowed to evolve towards the surrounding landscapes with the ultimate aim in the distant future of full reintegration into Garraf Natural Park. http://www.ondiseno.com/proyecto_en.php?id=2459 https://www.floornature.com/batlle-i-roig-landscape-restoration-garraf-waste-landfill-14036/ https://www.world-architects.com/en/batlle-roig-architects-esplugues-de-llobregat/project/garraf-waste-landfill https://archello.com/project/garraf-waste-landfill-begues

The first phase of this enormous work concentrated on a zone with a surface area of 20 hectares. The terraces, slopes and ramps that shaped the topography of the exploitation were respected and consolidated with inert material fillings, the product of the recycling of urban waste. The rubbish was sealed with a waterproofing sheet, a layer of draining gravel one metre thick and a geotextile filter with a last layer of soil. On that layer resistant local species of vegetation which require little water were planted. On the terraces agricultural crops of local legumes were planted; their absorption capacity made it easier to regenerate the soil. On the slopes species of trees were planted like pine and evergreen oak and shrubs such as brambles, brush or scrub. The entrance to the park from Gavà was also redone and a series of gabion walls filled with recycled waste or soil bear witness to the former use of the site. In addition to the surface regeneration of the tip, the intervention includes two actions, less showy but no less important, aimed at the management of the liquids and gases produced by the immense mass of waste. First, the surface water collection network was separated from the internal water collection network, which prevents rainwater from coming into contact with the waste and increasing the flow of dirty liquids it secretes. And so a series of perimeter channels and ditches collect and channel the surface rainwater and feed a network of irrigation ditches that help with the process of reforestation of the park. Moreover, a system of internal channels intercepts any half clean rainwater that might have penetrated and takes it to large underground storage pools. The leaching or dirty liquids produced inside the mass of rubbish are collected before they filter into the ground and purified at a treatment plant before being emptied into the sea. Moreover, a catchment and collection system for the biogas produced by the fermentation of the waste has been installed. There are more than 150 wells distributed around the whole area of the tip. The gas is aspirated through three compressors and piped to a generating plant where twelve motors use it as fuel, generating an average electric power of 12,500 Kw/h, which is exported to the general power network.

The Vall d’en Joan waste dump was opened in 1974 in a valley in the limestone massif of El Garraf, in the natural park of the same name. The restoration project defines a pattern of topographic configuration with terraces, side slopes, drainage system of internal fluids (separated of the external drainage net), biogas extraction net, pathways and plantation by phases. The whole restoration project goal is that Parc Del Garraf absorbs the dump by using the local forest tissue and supporting the establishment of primary ecosystems and its development and succession which thought the time will turn to adapted situations to the site environment. The plantation process is being done through strong local species with a few pouring demand and already adapted to the place environment. The vegetal structure planned with different local sorts of shrubs (such as bardissa, brolla or mediterranian màquia) and trees organizes the plantation project

03.b

STAY-IN MOULD AND REINFORCE

MATERIAL MANIPULATIONS

1. BENDING 1. JOINTING 2. STRETCHING 2. WEAVING 2. JOINING 3. INFILL 3. GROW

FIELD RESEARCH Sawmill Visit, November 2021 82

EMENT : timber and fabric

MATERIAL SYSTEM AND INTERACTION

1. primary structure_WOOD kerfed bended reclaimed timber

FORM MOULDING structural forces?

2. secondary structure_FABRIC BINDING THROUGH DIGESTION how much gets digested? would it lose it’s structural capacity?

tensile panelling and sewing 3. infill material_MYCELIUM COMPOSITE

3.1 Pleurotus ostreatus / Oyster Mushroom 3.2 Substrate Composition _composition varying thourgh the structure according to desired material properties _varying % substrate type and particle sizes

LOCAL SCALE 84

INTERNAL REINFORCEMENT How much does it get digested? How do you stop the organism from digesting? Does it affect the structural capacity of timber? (probably not - demonstrate)

RECLAIMED WOOD

HESSIAN

MYCELIUM COMPOSITE

MYCELIUM BASED COMPOSITE PRECEDENTS

FABRIC AS A MOULD

FABRIC GESTURES

DESIGN ITERATION 1

DESIGN ITERATION 2

DESIGN ITERATION 3

DESIGN ITERATION 4

5% sawn wood, 15% wood chips,

10% sawn wood, 20% wood chips

30% sawn wood, 20% wood chips

20% building waste aggregates, 5 100% building waste aggregates

100

, 50% straw, 30% mycelium (infill)

s, 45% straw, 25% mycelium (infill)

s, 30% straw, 20% mycelium (infill)

50% sawn wood, 10% wood chips, 10% straw, 10% mycelium (ifill)

lightness

density

(crushed stone and concrete binded with lime ( foundation)

101

CREATING VARIETY WITH TWO CURVATURES

102

2 2 2 2 2 2

2 1 2

1 2 22 1

103

ASSEMBLY OF TIMBER ELEMENTS AND WELDING OF MYCELIUM TILES

main timber structure

secondary timber structure for lab cells

104

secondary timber structure for flooring support

application of living mycelium tiles

01.a GROUND WORKS

01.b PREPARE TIMBER ELEMENTS

01.c PREPARE FABRIC CANOPY

01.1 ground assesment 01.2 digging operations start 01.3 retaining walls 01.4 ground improvement works: vibro stone columns 01.5 basement construction begins 01.6 basement construction is finalized

01.b.1 alvage timber elements from the shredding facility 01.b.2 source additional timber required 01.b.3 prepare bended + straight CLT beams 01.b.4 prepare bended + straight wooden studs

01.c.1 recycle fabric 01.c.2 weave new fabric 01.c.3 pattern fabric 01.c.4 sew fabric modules to be attached on timber 01.c.5 apply a coating to the fabric to become water repellant

02.a CANOPY BASE 02.a.1 main timber structure 02.a.2 tensile waterproof fabric connected to main timber structure 02.a.3 secondary timber structure

02.b MYCELIUM 02.b.1 extract fungi strains 02.b.2 strain cloning 02.b.3 fungi sprawn 02.b.4 grow in multiple moulds 02.b.5 bring moulds outside at attach to secondary timber structure 02.b.6 moulds welding 02.b.7 dessicate building module

timber anchors for lab cells + metal strcture for waterproof roof fabric

tensile waterproof fabric (roof)

application of living mycelium tiles + welding of tiles though growth

105

31,35 m

106

600 mm

600

600 mm 200 mm

3800 mm

1700 mm 600 2900 mm

5400 mm

200 mm

107

EXPLODED AXONOMETRY

108

water repellant fabric membrane material: SILICONE COATED GLASS CLOTH bespoke metal fixtures and gutters material: STEEL metal understructure for roof fabric material: ALUMINIUM double-glazed glass bespoke metal fixtures and gutters material: STEEL primary timber structure material: bended CLT beam secondary timber structure for fixing the mycelium tiles material: bended SOFTWOOD TIMBER integrated insulation material: MYCELIUM BASED COMPOSITE tiles primary timber structure material: bended CLT beam

water repellant fabric membrane material: SILICONE COATED GLASS CLOTH metal understructure for roof fabric material: ALUMINIUM primary timber structure material: bended CLT beam secondary timber structure for fixing the mycelium tiles material: bended SOFTWOOD TIMBER integrated insulation material: MYCELIUM BASED COMPOSITE tiles ring beam material: CLT primary timber structure material: CLT retaining wall material: GABION RUBBLE soft finish: fabric material: coated cotton softwood timber studs ring beam material: CLT

109

MODULAR ASSEMBLY OF TIMBER ELEMENTS

110

111

CONSTRUCTION PROCESS OF ONE MODULAR ELEMENT

112

113

114

115

116

The primary and secondary structures must be completead and the assembly must be covered with the water protective outer layer of the roof before the introduction of the mycelium composite tiles are introduced. Using these structures, a secondary environmnet can be created for the last stage of the growimg process: ASSEMBLY AND WELD of the tiles.

117

118

In the process of fixing the tiles, protective equipment must be used to ensure that the maximumm sterility of the environemnt and the process is achieved. As the organism has already grown for aproximately a week in the growing chambers underground, it has become resilient. However, procedures of minimization of contaminations still need to be in place.

119

The last stage is the dessication of the welded surface. After 3-4 days of welding in which the finished assembled tiles continue to grow and bind with each other in the search for nutrients, the entire skin must be dried before being coated with natural resins. In order to dry, the skin needs access to sunlight, good ventilation. Industrial fans and radiators will be arranged thoughout the structure and directed at the surface.

120

121

STRUCTURAL PRECEDENT_ICD Stuttgart LivMatS Pavilion

structural analysis

integrative model

structural model

structural test setup

structural forces

The LivMatS Pavilion constitutes the first building ever with a load-bearing structure that is entirely made of robotically wound flax fibre, a material that is fully naturally renewable, biodegradable, and regionally available in Central Europe Fibre composites exhibit outstanding strength-to-weight ratio and this feature provides for an excellent basis for the development of innovative, material-efficient lightweight structures.. Structural analysis The load-bearing structure of the livMatS pavilion consists of 15 flax fibre components, robotically prefabricated exclusively from continuous spun natural fibres, as well as a fibrous capstone element on top of the structure. The elements vary in overall length from 4.50 to 5.50 m and weigh only 105 kg on average. https://www.icd.uni-stuttgart.de/projects/livMatS-Pavilion/

122

differenciated structural weaving strategies accodrning to structural needs on front and back of the component

construction process

robotic fabrication setup

weaving process

weaving 1

weaving 2

The structural components of the livMatS pavilion are built with flax fibres. These fibers have been used for the production of linen fabrics and garments for millennia, until cotton began replacing them from the 18th century on. They are comparable in their mechanical properties to glass fibre rovings; they provide similar stiffness per weight, but with a much lower embodied energy.

123

STRUCTURAL PRECEDENT_Ibuku_The Arc at Green School Bali

gridshell bamboo roof

integrative model

structural test setup

The Arc is the newest building at the world renowned Green School in Bali, Indonesia. The first building of its kind ever made, the Arc at Green School is a series of bamboo arches spanning 19 meters, interconnected by anticlastic gridshells which derive their strength from curving in two directions. It is created ‘from a series of intersecting 14m-tall bamboo arches spanning 19m, interconnected by anticlastic gridshells that derive their strength from curving in two opposite directions,’ the Ibuku team explain. https://www.archdaily.com/964059/the-arc-at-greenschool-ibuku?ad_medium=gallery https://www.designboom.com/architecture/pt-bamboopure-green-school-bali/

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construction process

structural arches are assempled on isite

manual labour + crane lifting

saddle test gridshell

edge condition exterior

edge condition interior

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CONSTRUCTION PROCESS LAYERING OF MATERIALS COMPOSITION

Case study Shoei Yoh Naiju Community Center and Nursery School, Fukuoka, Japan

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FORMWORK AND REINFORCEMENT PRECEDENT Phil Ayres CITA/Fungar Architecture

structural analysis

stay in formwork filled in with mycelium composite

stay in formwork, substrate and mycelium sprawn

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1:1 timber woven lattice

stay-in-place mould/reinforcement construction approach 129

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BUILDING ENVIRON

G+ NMENT

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ENVRIONMENTAL STUDIES_U VALUES

U VALUES CONVENTIONAL INSULATION MATERIALS

glass fibre (0.032-0.044W/m.K.)

mineral wool (0.032-0.044W/m.K)

expanded polystyrene (0.036W/m.K)

extruded polystyrene (0.029-0.036W/m.K)

Part L of the Building Regulations (Conservation of fuel and power) now prevents certain forms of construction by setting limiting standards (i.e. maximum U-values) for building elements. See Limiting fabric parameters for more information. It should be noted however that these are maximum permitted values, the specification for the notional domestic building referred to in Part L1A has considerably lower values, for example: External wall: 0.18 W/(m²K). Floor: 0.13 W/(m²K). Roofs: 0.13 W/(m²K). Windows, roof windows, glazed rooflights and glazed doors: 1.4 W/(m²K).

https://www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/U-values#Typical_values

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It is important to distinguish between U-values for materials (such as glass), or assemblies (such as windows, which have frames, air gaps, and so on), or elements (such as walls, which may have complex constructions comprising a number of different components).

U VALUE MYCELIUM COMPOSITES ON THE MARKET

The U value of an element (in W/(m²K)) can be calculated from sum of the thermal resistances (R-values in m²K/W) of the layers that make up the element plus its inside and outside surface thermal resistances (Ri and Ro).

BIOHM 0.024W/m.K. thermal conductivity-

ECOVATIVE Myco Foam: R=3.8/in

Calculations and conclusions:

U-value = 1 / (ΣR + Ri + Ro) Where the thermal resistance of the layers of the element R = the thickness of each layer / the thermal conductivity of that layer (its k-value or lambda value (λ) in W/ (mK)).

Initial thermal testing indicates that mycelium insulation can outperform the vast majority of market- leading synthetic and ‘organic’ insulation products.

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“What is an assemblage? It is a multiplicity which is made up of many heterogeneous terms and which establishes liaisons, relations between them, across ages, sexes and reigns – different natures. Thus, the assemblage’s only unity is that of a co-functioning: it is a symbiosis, a ‘sympathy’. It is never filiation which are important, but alliances, alloys; these are not successions, lines of descent, but contagions, epidemics, the wind.”—Gilles Deleuze Deleuze, G. (1968/2014). Difference and Repetition (p.163). London: Bloomsbury Academic

This quote from Deleuze speaks to the non-static nature of reality: of the ephemeral nature of site and place. Through the project, I aim to map, capture, unfold and uncover the heterogeneity of such a diversified world. - what constitutes the ground: the built and the living. - documenting what is below ground as critically as we normally consider the above reality.

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ENVRIONMENTAL STUDIES_SUN

sun path studies

21.06 summer solstice

21.12 winter solstice

21.06 summer solstice

21.12 winter solstice

summer solstice Schedule of accommodation in summer

winter solstice Schedule of accommodation in winter

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incident radiation studies

21.01 / 09:00 am to 5:00 pm

21.03 / 09:00 am to 5:00 pm

21.06 / 09:00 am to 5:00 pm

21.09 / 09:00 am to 5:00 pm

INCIDENT RADIATION - Construction depends on temperature and sun intensity for the final stage of building which implied the drying/dessication of teh living material into an inert material, therefore this stage can happen between March and August with June-August being the ideal period.

21.12 / 09:00 am to 5:00 pm

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ENVRIONMENTAL STUDIES_LIGHT AND SHADOW

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https://weatherspark.com/y/41864/Average-Weather-in-Birmingham-United-Kingdom-Year-Round#Figures-Humidity

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ENVRIONMENTAL STUDIES_WIND

wind direction

natural ventilation diagram

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wind rose

wind and orientation:

average wind speed Birmingham

https://weatherspark.com/y/41864/Average-Weather-in-Birmingham-United-Kingdom-Year-Round#Figures-Humidity

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DESIGNIN THE LIVIN

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NG WITH NG

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5.a

FIELD RESEARCH

In this project I conducted field research, visiting a mycology lab, a large scale mushroom farming facility and a small scale, one person operating mushroom farm and a saw mill. I was also in conversation with other mycologists, a material scientists condutcing his phd on mycelium composite and a waste manager working for Veiola in London. Additionally, I gathered extensive information by participating in conferences on the theme of BioBuildings and Myco-design. This project would not have been possible without the generosity of each person that I have either been directly in contact with, or I have listened to lecturing or read the research paper that has been made available to the larger public. Mycelium is an organism that fascinates a variety of diverse people for different reasons, but in the end I know we are all intertwined in our quest of better understanding the workd that surrounds us and understanding how we could better operate in it.

FIELD RESEARCH Jan’s 156 Mushroom Farm Visit, November 2021

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THE NEGLECTED MEGASCIENCE visit of Jodrell Mycology Lab - Kew Gardens

mycology lab

mycelium growing on an agar plate

THE NEGLECTED MEGASCIENCE

A GRASSROOT SCIENTIFIC MOVEMENT

In 2009, the mycologist David Hawksworth referred to mycology as ‘a neglected megascience’.

The ‘professional’ academic study of living organisms only picked up momentum in the 19th century. Many major developments in the history of the sciences have been fuelled by amateur enthusiasm and taken place outside dedicated university departments. Today, after a long period of specialisation and professionalisation, there is an explosion of new ways of doing scence.

Animal and plant biology have had their own university departments for generations, but the study of fungi has long been lumped in with plant sciences, and is seldom recognised as a distinct field, even today.

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species archive and documentation

wood log digested by reishi

RADICAL MYCOLOGY

THE ALCHEMY OF GROWING MUSHROOMS

Peter McCoy is a hip-hop artist, self-taught mycologist and founder of the organisation called Radical Mycology.

To grow mushrooms at any kind of scale, growers have to develop a keen nose for materal to satisfy voracious fungal appetites.

Radical Mycology is part of a larger movement of DIY mycology, which emerged from the psychedelic mushroom-growing scene kickstarted in the 1970s by Terace McKenna and Paul Stamets.

Most mushroom-producing fungi thrive on the mess that humans make. Growing cash crops on waste is a kind of alchemy. Fungi transform a liability with negative worth into a product with value. The inefficiency of many industries is a blessing for mushroom growers.

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Mycology Lab Visit, Jodrell Laboratory Nov 2021, Kew Gardens

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Mushroom Farm Visit 1

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Mushroom Farm Visit 1

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Colonization level and skin thickness as well as the type of the substrate determine the stiffness and water resistance of the material.

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Binomial nomenclature Pleurotus ostreatus Inoculation rate mix with ± 2% spawn Natural substrate hardwood / (wheat) straw Incubation room temperature: 20-22 °C substrate temperature: 25-30 °C duration: 19- 22 days Primordia induction (night time)* temperature: lower to 6-15 °C relative humidity 90- 95 % Fruiting conditions room temperature: (5-) 10-17 (-20) °C relative humidity: 85% CO2-concentration: less than 800 ppm light: 800- 1500 lux Flushes number: 02/mar interval: 1-2 weeks between flushes: relative humidity increase to 90% Total production cycle Ca. 3 months Average yield 200 to 250 g saleable mushrooms per kg fresh substrate† *Primordia are induced by a shock. For most mushroom species, this is done with a thermal shock, which is defined by the minimum temperature during the day-night cycle.

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THE ALCHEMY OF GROWING MUSHROOMS Mushroom Farm Visit 2

1. SUBSTRATE MIXTURE 2. STERILIZATION PROCESS 3. MODULE PREPARATION 4. GROWING ENVIRONMENT 5. HARVESTING 6. DECOMPOSITION

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CUT AFTER 5 WEEKS OF GROwTH

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1.CUT 2. EXAMINE THE MYCELIUM GROWTH 3. SUBSTRACT THE UNGROWN SUBSTRATE 4. UNWRAP THE PLASTIC MOULD 5. DRY IT IN THE OVERN AT 50-60 DEGREES FOR 6 HOURS 6. DRIED MYCELIUM BOWL

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BEFORE DESSICATION

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AFTER DESSICATION The mycelium based composite has kept and hardened the folds of the plastic paper which occured due to gravity and material weight. I am interested in this formal quality of the material to take the shape of its mould, or even digest it.

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MYCELIUM PRODUCTION

LARGE SCALE PRODUCTION OF MYCELIUM _CASE STUDY_ ECOVATIVE

5.b

ECOVATIVE GROWING FACILITIES, USA 186

CASE STUDIES

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PROCESS

CASE STUDY - ECOVATIVE, USA large scale mycelium based materials production

2. moulding

packaging

leather

PRODUCTS

1. substrate sterilization

Grown in nine days, Forager™ pure mycelium hides are 100% vegan, with naturally high tensile strength, tear resistance, and durability that is equal to animal leathers. https://ecovative.com/leather

GIY material specs: Density: 7.6 lbs/ft3 Compressive Stress/Strength at 15% compression: 18 psi Flexure Strength: 34 psi

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GIY kits

3. growing

4. drying4.

mycoboard to replace particle-boards

Values: R-value: Rigid board: R=3.0/in Myco Foam: R=3.8/in Styrofoam: R=3.2-4/in very low VOCs: ASTM E1333 fire resistant: class A - ASTM E84 no fire retardants building foam: no studs needed consinuously insulated

https://www.slideshare.net/funk97/ecovative-mushroom-material?from_action=save

insulation material Grown in nine days, Forager™ pure mycelium hides are 100% vegan, with naturally high tensile strength, tear resistance, and durability that is equal to animal leathers. https://ecovative.com/leather

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2. moulding

fire test greensulate in comparison with styrofoam “Greensulate” is produced from natural byproducts local to the area (buckwheat hulls and cotton burrs) without the use of heat or any light input. Greensulate is an R-3-per-inch rigid insulation material that is made from intertwining mycelium (rootlike filaments of a fungus) that are grown in agricultural waste materials (primarily seed hulls) under controlled conditions. The mycelium forms a foam-like material that insulates reasonably well.

The company claims that in a wall system, the insulation will remain inert as long as it’s kept from getting soaked. A number of different fungus species are being tested by the company, including one that produces a mold-resistant foam that meets the ASTM standard C-1338. The finished Greensulate insulation contains no VOCs, no chemical flame retardants, no plastics or other artificial materials. It is all natural, and unlike some biobased materials, does not use a food product. While the product achieves R-3.0 per inch today, “we believe we can get the R-value higher, said McIntyre. While stable and inert in use, Greensulate breaks down fairly quickly in a compost bin.

https://www.buildinggreen.com/blog/greensulate---fungus-based-insulation-material-thats-grown-rather-manufactured 190

4. drying4.

“We’re currently positioning that technology for structural insulating panels” (SIPs) In this application, the Greensulate cores are grown first, then sandwiched between oriented strandboard (OSB) skins and put in the glowing chambers for another 24 hours. The mycelium provide the binder to permanently bond the OSB skins to the core insulation--replacing polyurethane binders that are commonly used with expanded polystyrene (EPS)-core SIPs.

Because the mycelium is not allowed to grow long enough to produce mushrooms there is no risk of the production of spores and allergens.

A Class 1 fire rating has already been obtained, according to the company. Other properties include: Compressive Modulus of 2100 psi (ASTM C165-07), Flexural Strength of 100 psi (ASTM C203-05) and Flextural Modulus (ASTM C203-05). The density is currently listed as 6-12 lbs/ft3. http://inventorspot.com/articles/insulation_and_packaging_products_made_mushrooms_roots_ecovative_26586 https://archive.epa.gov/ncer/publications/web/pdf/ncse-greensulate.pdf

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CASE STUDY - BIOHM, London UK large scale mycelium based materials production over 5000 sq. ft. of space our warehouse

R&D at BIOHM HQ in Bermondsey

BIOHM HQ, Unit 5A, Juno Way, Bermondsey, London

Fire Performance

Acoustic Performance

Mycelium not only outperforms petrochemical/ plastic construction materials in thermal and acoustic insulation, as a natural materials, it is also safer and healthier. Mycelium does not contain the synthetic resin-based materials that cause the harmful toxic smoke and quick spread of flames during a fire.

Mycelium provides excellent acoustic insulation and tests show an acoustic absorption of at least 75% at 1000Hz (the typical frequency of road traffic noise).

Initial testing demonstrates that mycelium releases significantly less heat and smoke during burning, with much lower average and peak heat release rates and longer time to flash over synthetic materials owing to its charring behaviour, inhibiting spread when exposed to fire. https://www.biohm.co.uk/mycelium

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This opens the market for mycelium as a joint thermal and acoustic insulation panel, as well as purely acoustic insulation that can be grown to specification and can incorporate acoustic baffling as part of its design. Biohm has already delivered on Acoustic insulation projects for offices in London.

insulation panel 0.024W/m.K. thermal conductivity >= 75% acoustic absorbtion at 1000 Hz

mechanical test of insulation panel

Thermal Capacity

Buildability

Initial thermal testing indicates that mycelium insulation can outperform the vast majority of market- leading synthetic and ‘organic’ insulation products.

Biohm’s mycelium is designed to replace carbon intensive and toxic insulation boards with a high performing natural biobased alternative.

Biohm’s mycelium insulation has achieved thermal conductivity as low as 0.024W/m.K., surpassing the values that can be achieved by market leading but unsustainable materials such as glass fibre (0.032-0.044W/m.K.), mineral wool (0.032-0.044W/m.K), expanded polystyrene (0.036W/m.K) and extruded polystyrene (0.029-0.036W/m.K).

Biohm therefore manufactures mycelium rigid insulation in accordance with industry standard 1200 x 2400mm sizing. That said, given the unique way that Biohm bio-manufactures its products, we are also able to grow panels to custom dimensions to meet the needs of the project, be that a complex retrofit or the internal cavity of a structural panel system (SIP).

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PROCESS

CASE STUDY - MOGU, Italy large scale mycelium based materials production

1. laboratory and production facility PRODUCTS

2. hot pressing to form panels

flooring tiles

acoustic tiles

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3. growing

4. drying

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5.c

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MATERIAL EXPERIMENTS

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SUBSTRATE AND GROWTH

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TOOLS FOR CULTURING MYCELIUM

Agar agar

Malt barley extract

Nutritional Yeast

Agar plate procedures

MEA Agar recipe

90mm plastic petri dishes/ plates

Parafilm tape

Isopropyl alcohol (70%)

10g Agar agar 10g Malt barley extract 1g Nutritional yeast 500ml boiling water (preferably distilled)

Pressure cooker

Weighing scales (0.1g accuracy)

Pyrex beakers

Equipment needed

Sterile area (Still air box

Bunsen burner

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SUBSTRATE SELECTION _at home

What is a mushroom substrate? A mushroom substrate is a medium that allows mushroom mycelium – the vegetative part of a fungus consisting of a mass of branching threads called hyphae – to develop and establish itself. The substrate offers the nutrition, moisture, and energy that mushrooms require to grow and fruit. To put it simply, a mushroom substrate is a material that the mycelium uses for energy, nutrition and structure.

shredding packaging paper by hand

Urban growers work with a range of various substrates. Different mushroom species have different preferences so it’s important to pair your mushrooms with the right substrate for optimal results. What makes a good mushroom substrate? There are several factors that make up a “good” substrate. In reality, a substrate is only as good as its match to a specific species’ requirements. Water content

hemp particles

The amount of water in the substrate is key for almost any type of mushroom. Most mushroom bodies are made up of 70-90% water which is entirely sourced from the substrate. Whilst humidity in the growing environment prevents the fruiting mushrooms from drying out, ensuring your substrate has both the ability to retain moisture and has the optimal water content is key! Aside from water content – and to get a little more technical – a suitable substrate often contains lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose, which are woody, fibrous components. These are high in carbon, which is your mycelium’s primary food supply. Straw or hardwood sawdust are common substrates for growing mushrooms, but there are a variety of other good options to consider.

When selecting a substrate, keep the following factors in mind: A modest amount of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sulphur, and phosphorus should be present in your substrate. These minerals are present in most raw substrates, but this varies depending on the origin of the material. You’ll probably have to play around with this to see whether you need to supplement with more minerals. To allow for air exchange, your substrate must have a suitable structure. This is required for the mycelium to colonise effectively. Nitrogen content of 1 to 2% is required in your substrate. To reach this barrier, most substrates (such as sawdust or straw) require additional ingredients. Your substrate should be slightly acidic, with a PH between 5 and 6.5. (Some mushrooms, such as oyster mushrooms, can withstand a PH of up to 8.) A minimum moisture content of 50-70% is essential for your substrate. Last but certainly not least, there must be no competing organisms on your substrate. This gives your mushroom mycelium a clean slate on which to grow. How to choose a mushroom substrate? Selecting the best substrate comes down to a few factors. The first thing to consider is the availability and ease of working with a particular substrate. For example, a straw-based substrate may be far more accessible than a hardwood substrate – and can be prepared using modest home utensils. We would suggest that you select a substrate that is readily available in your area. If straw isn’t readily available where you live, you could consider sawdust or pre-inoculated pellets instead. You should also choose your substrate to match the species of mushrooms you are growing. Wood-based substrates are optimal for mushrooms like reishi, lion’s mane, and maitake, while oysters grow on nearly any substrate. The time it takes for the mycelium to colonise the spawning material is lowered if it is already familiar with

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SUBSTRATE SELECTION _on site

material streams readily available on site:

35,000 tonnes of green waste / annum GREEN WASTE

OWC (open widrow composting facility)

5,000 tonnes on site per annum WOOD WASTE

wood shredding facility

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SUBSTRATE PREPARATION _at home

pasteurization process:

How to Pasteurise mushroom substrate Pasteurisation is used to make the substrate relatively contaminant-free and to provide any mushroom culture introduced a head start. Types of Pasteurisation Pasteurisation can be accomplished in a number of ways: Hot water bath pasteurisation Submerging the substrate in hot water for at least one or two hours is one approach to pasteurise it. Pasteurisation is sufficient for most enterprises to grow mushrooms with minimum risk of contamination.

compacted sawn wood expanding

Pasteurization takes place at temperatures ranging from 70 to 80°C. If the temperature rises above these levels, the healthy bacteria will be eliminated and the harmful bacteria will thrive. In a water bath, pasteurise your substrate by soaking it for one hour in 70°C water. Coldwater lime pasteurisation While this isn’t technically pasteurisation, it is a method of modifying substrate to give mycelium more leverage. This method is based on the idea that mushroom mycelium is significantly better equipped to handle high pH levels that many competing organisms cannot.

btw 80-85 degrees Celcius for an hour

To use this technique, immerse your substrate for 24 hours in a bath of hydrated lime-treated cold water. This raises the pH of the water, thus destroying pollutants. Hydrogen Peroxide Foreign germs and competitor spores can be killed by hydrogen peroxide without harming mycelium. Soak the substrate for about an hour in water. Drain it, then thoroughly clean it in water before draining it again.

Pressure cooker

Allow the straw substrate to soak in a hydrogen peroxide water bath for a day. For every 4.5 litres of water, use 1 litre of hydrogen peroxide. After you’ve finished, rinse and drain your substrate for a while. Incorporate the spawn and incubate as you normally would.

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SUBSTRATE PREPARATION _on site

industrial autoclave

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GROWING PROTOCOLS

substrate selection:

compacted sawn wood

straw particles

shredded paper packaging

hemp

calcium carbonate

various lost formworks

Substrate Alchemy:

Liquid culture vs sprawn culture:

The substrate needs a good quantity of fibres and particles. Increasing the fibres, there are more air gaps and therefore more oxygen can reach within the substrate allowing for the mycelium to grow throughout. Too many particles will increase the sensity of the module, therefore increasing the compression strenght, but will slow the growth of the organism.

Spawn culture is preffered as it has been observed that the organism grows faster in this way. Moreover, a uniform distribution of the inoculated grains can be easily and visibly be made while the module is assembled. The technique follows the method of cooking lasagna in which materials are layered and evenly distributed.

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pasteurization + inoculation process:

compacted sawn wood expanding

addition of other substrates

mixing substrates

mold preparation and sterilization

inoculation of agar plates

Sterilization vs pasteurization: Sterilization is preferred ( btw 80-85 degrees Celcius) as it does not kill all the organisms present in the substrate, but only the competitors, living some other organisms that will make the mycelium more resilient while growing. If you pasteurize the substrate, then much more attention to the sterilization process must be given when inoculating the module or just handling it.

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MOULDS EXPERIMENT QUESTIONS: How does mycelium bind the fabric mould depending on the material? Would the partial digestion of the mould result in the loss of material properties of the fabric?

testing different fabrics and their interaction with the substrate and mycelium:

test a.1 hassian

a. 2 polyester

a. 3 cotton

Day 1

Day 1 FAILED EXPERIMENT Mycelium did not grow on this module. Observations: I used a liquid culture which I kept stored at room tenmperature for 2 weekd and in the fridge for 2 weeks. It is possible that the culture partially died in its liquid culture as it lacked enough nutrients. It is important therefore, to use the mycelium cultures soon or add in nutrients to allow them to survive. A hibernation state can be achieved at low temperatures in the fridge.

Day 5

Day 5 Incubation parameters: -dark environment -good ventilation -micro-tape on the edge to keep contaminants away -sterile environmnet in the mould -humidity: btw 60-65% -temperature: btw: 22-24 degrees Celcius -time: 1 week

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a. 4 woven strings

a.5 woven cardboard

a. 6 woven wood

Day 1

FAILED EXPERIMENT

Day 3 Observations: -the process of taking the module out of the mould is easier when the stay in mould has a harder finish as in the case of the woven wood pattern or th hessian fabric. -the density of the substrate will influence the access to exygen and therefore the velocity of growth 207

SELECTED SUCCESSFUL GROWTH MATRIXES

test a.6 woven wood verneer:

Day 1

Day 3

Day 1

Day 3

test a.1 hassian:

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Day 5

Day 6

Day 7

The material tests have identified the use of woven wooden elements and the sue of hessian as a stay in mould are the most successful in terms of stability, strenght and binding with the organism. Day 5

Day 6

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DESICCATION AND SHRINKAGE

a. 8 mushroom spawn

a.6 woven wood verneer

a.1 hassian matrix

weight before dessication: 233 g

weight before dessication: 33 g

weight before dessication: 34 g

weight after dessication: 196 g

weight after dessication: 22 g

weight after dessication: 18 g

233 g to 196 g results in 15.8% decrease in weight

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33 g to 22 g results in 33.3% decrease in weight

34 g to 18 g results in 47% decrease in weight

a.7 shredded paper

a. 4 woven strings

a. 2 polyester

weight before dessication: 59 g

weight before dessication: 18 g

weight before dessication: 11 g

weight after dessication: 36 g

weight after dessication: 7 g

weight after dessication: 5 g

59 g to 36 g results in 38.9% decrease in weight

18 g to 7 g results in 61% decrease in weight

11 g to 5 g results in 54.5% decrease in weight

OBSERVATIONS: The % of weight loss depends on the amount of water embodied in the composite material, and the water embodied vaies depending on the porosity of the substrate on which the mycelium grows.

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REINFORCEMENT EXPERIMENT QUESTIONS: How much compression strenght it is gained depending on the type of reinforcement?

testing different timber reinforcements and their interaction with the substrate and mycelium:

1 wood reinforcement: 30 x 10 mm

3 wooden dowels placed vertically 5 mm diameter

3 wooden dowels placed horizontally 5 mm diameter

interaction reinforcement + mycelium Day 3

interaction reinforcement + mycelium

Substrate: 100% shredded recycled packaging paper Additional nutrients: 10% of the substrate weight: calcium sulphate Reinforcement: central softwood reinforcement element 2,4 x 5 cm placed vertically 212

Substrate: 50% sawn wood 30% straw 20% hemp

Additional nutrients: 10% of the substrate weight: calcium sulphate

Reinforcement: 3 x pine wood dowels 1 cm diameter placed vertically

Reinforcement: 3 x pine wood dowels 1 cm diameter placed horizontally

shredded recycled paper + mycelium

hessian mould + straw, sawn wood, hemp + mycelium

interaction reinforcement + mycelium Day 3

Day 6

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120 mm

90 mm

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60 mm

120 mm

110 mm

90 mm

60 mm

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50 mm

30 mm

130 mm

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reinforcement binded with living mycelium

3 reinforcement dowels

weight before dessication: 623 g

weight before dessication: 255 g g With these two models I tested different internal reinforcement. of a column and the way the organism binds with the reinforcement. For the reinforcement I selected pinewood. The organism did not change the structural capacity of the wood reinforcement as it only superficially binded on the surface.

weight after dessication: 278 g 623 g to 278 g results in 55% decrease in weight

weight after dessication: 111 g 255 g to 111 g results in 56% decrease in weight

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SURFACE REINFORCEMENT EXPERIMENT 1

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pine wood frame and woven strings With this module I tested the possibility of using fabirc as a mould and though the slack of the fabric and the substrate infill generating curvature. Internally, the module is reinforced with woven natural fibers strings. The aim was to test if natural fibres in fabrics and strings would be feasible. Was the mycelium through the process of digesting and binding, weaken those natural fibres? The answer is no, on the contrary, the mycelium binded the components together (even when the glue joinery of the timber elements broke while the module was growing, it managed to bind them back together, thus actinga as a natural glue). Before dessication the material mass was more fragile and the mycelium was breaking easily when taken out of the platic membrane which was generating the growth environment.

cheese cotton applied

incoculated assembly - Day 1

Through growth and digestion, mycelium generates heath and humidity in the plastic bag environment I have created for it to grow and be protected from contaminants in the first stages of growth. I oberved droplets of water forming on the skin of the mdoule thoughout the growth process. When introduced in the oven, those water droplets stayed on the surface until they became evaporated, thus demonstrating an ability to repell water of the mycelium based composite. However, for the composite to gain this characteristic, it is important to form a uniform mycelian skin all over the surface of the module. Further studies of how to encourage uniform growth need to me made.

Day 3

After dessication, the module became hardened. Where mycelium has grown uniformily and covered the face of the module, there is no breaking of the substrate and the skin has a tensile qulity as well.

Day 5

dessication phase (in the overn) - water droplets

Day 6

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250 mm

50 mm

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600 mm

SURFACE REINFORCEMENT EXPERIMENT 2

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300 mm

pine dowels main woven structure

wood verneer secondary woven structure

incoculated assembly

before incoulation - Day 1 -FRONT

after incoulation - Day 1 - FRONT

after incoulation - Day 1 - BACK

Observations:

Conclusions:

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OBSERVING GROWTH

Day 1 - BACK

Day 2 - BACK

Day 3 - BACK

Day 4 - BACK

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Day 1 - FRONT

Day 2 - FRONT

Day 3 - FRONT

Day 4 - FRONT

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Day 5 - BACK

Day 6 - BACK

Day 7 - BACK

Day 8 - BACK

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Day 5 - FRONT

Day 6 - FRONT

Day 7 - FRONT

Day 8 - FRONT

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after 8 days of growth I decided to open the module towards the environment and instead of a plastic foil with air filtering tape, to lay two layers of cheese cloth as a softer barrier from the bathroom environmnet where I grew the experiments.

I wanted to test the resilience of pleurotus ostratus when left in direct contact with its surroundign evironemnte and therefore the possible competitiors and contaminants.

irregular growth of the mycelium and binding with the cheese cloth

Moreover, in order for the mycelium to grow more uniformly on the surface it needed more ocntact with oxygen which was before limited by the plastic membrane.

mushrooms growing on the edge of the module

In conclusion, the mycelium grew faster and more uniformly when in direct contact with oxygen and contamination was not a problem after a week of growth in a controlled environment.

Day 11 BACK - before dessication

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MODULE after dessication

Observations: the environmnet that is created in the gaps of the substrate and the mould becomes more and more humid through the porcess of digestion. For this reason, it is very important to create a good ventilation system in the growing chambers. I identify the need for a future study of the relationship between air circulation and the homogeneity or pattern of growth and coverage of the substrate in mycelium in relationship with the air flow of specific rooms. Day 11 FRONT - before dessication

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CONCLUSIONS: PRODUCTION INFLUENCES MATERIAL CHARACTERISTICS

INPUT FACTORS

PRODUCTION METHOD

ecology COMPONENTS

lifestyle

CHARACTERISTICS

CONSIDERATIONS

reconnection, regrowth

- use local species

filaments thickness

- use sporeless strain

growth rate fungal biomass density

- non-pathogenic to humans - do not produce myco-toxins

structural integrity

local response to damage cell wall composition

compressive stiffness fungal species

increased bonding lignin degradation reinforcement shear failure

processing chemical composition environmental conditions during growth

surface cracking compressive strenght feedstock

flammability

autoclave

- pasteurization is preferred thermal stability

pasteurisation

defribillation of fibers

chemical treatment microbial agents

sterilization

flexural modulus

grain spawn inoculation

void spaces

compressive strenght

dimensional stability

pre-compression PROCESSING VARIABLES

growth rate

dimensional stability

pre-grown substrate

liquid medium

- vary substrate composition throughout the structure to obtain material properties that enforce the structural needs (eg-celing lighter and more porous, while walls are denser and heavier) - add 5-10% calcium carbonate to the substrate to obtain an alcaline environemnt, more favorable for fungal growth

elastic modulus

hyphal-outer layer

thermal conductivity

fiber orientation

water absorbtion density

surface direction moulding

density tensile modulus

CO2 concentration

- pre-grown substrate and grain soawn are preferred because once the mycelium has grown and gained force it will be more resilient in case of contamination

- form is given by tensile fabric lost formwork - increase structural capability by internally reinforcing the material with wooden components that get partially digeting resulting in a surface binding with the mycelium composite

compressive stiffness

temperature relative humidity content

Pasteurization (85 C) gets rid of some of the contaminants, while sterilization (121 C) kills all the competitors and the sterilized substrate becomes more sensitive at the inoculation stage and needs a more careful handling of the process.

luminosity

- reduce energy consumptions of growth by syncronysing construction with seasonal temperatures and by constructing the mycelium parts in the underground laboratory

growth conditions

water absorbtion porosity thermal decomposition

days

- reduce time growth in order to reduce the amount of C02 emitted during digestion/decomposition of substrate - 10- 20 % digestion of the substrate

elastic/shear modulus compressive strength time

CO2 emissions

temperature thermal conductivity

moisture content time

elastic modulus drying weather-proofing

coating heat/cold pressing post-processing

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strength and stiffness

- kill the fungus in the mycelium materiakl before it leaves the production facility - regularly confirm efficacy of the killing procedure - double skin roof enables circulation and does not require the mycelium to be treated with oil based resin to make it water-proof

APPLICATIONS

insulation panels acoustic tiles building blocks floor times textiles applications

load bearing components

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MYCOREMEDIATION Utilizing fungi to clean the environment

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APPLIED MYCOLOGY

MYCOREMEDIATION

MYCOFILTRATION

comparative cost analysis of soil remediation techniques

Preparing mycelium burlabs for mycorfiltration of rainwater on contaminated sites

mushrooms grow

mushrooms decay

plants die

insects attracted

mycoremediation cycle

plants grow

insects lay eggs

seeds germination

lavae hatch

birds bring seeds

birds attracted to forage

Bioremediation by macrofungi that degrade pollutants or wastes is referred to as mycoremediation. Macrofungi, like mushrooms, can produce enzymes and have the ability to degrade and accumulate a wide range of toxic metals. Generally mushrooms use three effective strategies to recover contaminated or polluted soils: biodegradation, bioconversion, and biosorption. Mushrooms can degrade and recycle wastes and pollutants to their mineral constituents and convert wastes, sludge, and pollutants into useful forms. In addition, they can uptake heavy metals from substrates via biosorption, which is a very effective method to reclaim polluted lands. Different wild and cultivated mushroom species are used in mycoremediation, which can degrade large quantities of organic and inorganic pollutants and produce vendible products. Mycoremediation is still in its infancy, but it has notable remediation potential for pollutants or metals in soil.

https://www.academia.edu/43165982/Role_of_mushrooms_in_soil_mycoremediation_a_review?email_work_card=view-paper

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Each toxic habitat is distinct and demands a localized approach by a skilled remediator. In many cases, mycelium is implanted to begin the sequence of biological community building, which then completes the process or restoration. Mycoremediation is the destruction of life-limiting toxins that enables other ecological restoration strategies. This is a gateway technology, and once implemented, a domino effect comes into play. Because mycoremediation is an infant technology, many experiments and proof-of-concept trials need to be conducted before commercialization. Once more data becomes available, more precise methods may be discovered. The scenarios in the above chart each include a different class of toxins. In reality, few landscapes are affected by just a single type of toxin. In many cases, overlapping and sequential mycelia] mats are recommended over the long term in order to reduce multiple types of toxins. In some cases, both mycofiltration and mycoremediation may be used simultaneously. Additionally, mycoremediation strategies are best integrated into habitat restoration programs that also utilize the bioremediative properties of plant, bacteria, and algal communities.

wood chips

wood chips colonized by mycelium

wood chips after digestion Warning: Many hazardous waste sites host a multitude of toxins. Although the enzymes from mushrooms break down many chemical Contaminants, Mushrooms can Concentrate heavy metals. If a site also contains heavy metals, the mushrooms should not be eaten until they have been determined to be safe.

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FUNGI STRAINS AND POLLUTION

mushrooms growing on oil contaminated landfill

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mushroom digesting oil spill

mycofiltration of contaminated waster

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Pairing SOIL TOXINS with MUSHROOM STRAINS

agitate flask 0 min 15 min 1h 2h leave for sedimentation 2h

1. soil samples from the site

SOIL SAMPLES Soil samples have been collected from strategic points around the site at various depths to be further analysed through the visual technique of chromatography.

soil

Sodium hydroxide

b) filter paper

Silver nitrate

c) prepared filter paper

supernatant

prepared filter paper

soil chromatography

2. preparing solution for soil identification through chromatography

CHROMATOGRAPHY EXPERIMENT a) 10 g of soil were placed in a flask containing 100 ml of 1% aqueous solution of NaOH for extraction. The flask was agitated by hand at the beginning of the extraction, and after 15 min, 1, and 2 h. After the last agitation the flask was left for another 2 h for extraction and sedimentation. After a total of 4 h the supernatant was collected. b) In the meantime, a circular Whatman 1 filter paper (150 mm diameter) was pierced in the middle and a cylindrical wick, folded up from a 15 mm × 15 mm filter paper, was inserted into the perforation. The circular filter paper was put on a plastic dish (60 mm diameter) in order to rest on its edges; whereas the wick was manipulated in order to touch the dish’s bottom. c) The so prepared filter paper was imbibed twice: (i) in the dark, with 0.6 ml of a 0.5% aqueous solution of AgNO3, and, after the filter paper dried, (ii) in artificial light, with 1.2 ml of the supernatant collected after the soil extraction, by placing the imbibition liquid at the bottom of the dish. After the second imbibition the filter paper was left in the light for ca. 12 h to dry and to let the forms and colors fully develop. After this time the wick was detached. All the experimental steps were made at room temperature.

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4. pairing fungi strains with specific pollutants

3. identifying soil composition and pollutants through chromotography

READING SOIL COMPOSITION There is Packington Gas Utilisation Plant to the east of Packington Lane which exports renewable electricity to the National Grid using the landfill gas generated from within Packington Landfill Site. Current estimates are that generation from the landfill gas will continue for a period in excess of 20 years (from the final waste entering the site) as the volumes of generated gas follow a steady decline in line with the degradation of the waste. Sita will continue to extract methane gas from the rotting heap via a 14-mile network of pipes and around 300 extraction points. It is then burnt at the onsite gas plant to run turbines that produce 7MW of power – enough for 25,000 homes. It will also continue to build its garden waste composting, and wood recycling operations at Packington.

FUNGI PAIRING AND MYCOREMEDIATION When choosing mushroom species to mycoremediate a toxic site, select species that naturally grow in that landscape. These native strains can be enhanced as the primary remediating fungi. The mycoremediation method is elegantly simple: overlay straw or wood chips infused with the right mycelium to create a living membrane of enzymes that rain down on the toxins in the topsoil. Replenish annually with additional mycelium-treated substrate. Several sequential applications may be the necessary norm to reduce toxins to acceptable levels.

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SOIL CHROMOTOGRAPHY

How to read SOIL COMPOSITION utilizing the CHROMATOGRAPHY technique

*imagines are for representation purposes only * the experiment is a proposal and has not yet been concluded 240

SOIL SAMPLES Soil samples have been collected from strategic points around the site at various depths to be further analysed through the visual technique of chromatography.

Paper chromatography is an analytical method used to separate colored chemicals or substances. It is primarily used as a teaching tool, having been replaced by other chromatography methods. A complex solution in a form of a drop on a paper decomposes into its constituent parts due to the action of capillary forces. A drop forms a dark spot in a middle and light or completely unpainted edges depending on the nature of the liquid.

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FROM SEPARATING POLLUTION TO DIGESTING IT

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Throughout this project, I actively engaged in research and experimentation wondering what it takes and what it means to design with a living organism. Collaborating with mycelium, not only brought me closer to understanding the organism and how we could implement it in various aspects of architecture, material management, and bio-remediation, but it also brought forward conversations and encounters with specialists operating on different branches of the fungi world. Designing with mycelium and conducting experiments in my kitchen demonstrated the empowerment of democratization of knowledge and the need for messy experiments as a tool for learning and actively engaging with the environment. Moreover, it demonstrated that working with mycelium is not as difficult as the majority of people are portraying it as I encountered a lot of resistance and skepticism along the way. Throughout the project, I sought to design with and according to the environment and the environmental conditions required for mycelium. The project looks at the power of mycelium to digest and bind matter together, as well as its capacity to filter and digest pollutants for territorial interventions. The characteristics of the material in relationship with the production process have been studied and cataloged. The project tested the limits of the necessity for sterile environments and proposes a construction protocol that integrates growth and is planned according to seasonal temperatures. The use of regenerative materials as formworks or reinforcement allows further customization of properties and forms of building elements, without losing their biodegradable characteristics.

This thesis has been an introduction to alternative future possibilities of planetary co-habitation, new material formations, the dissolution of the concept of waste, and a proposal to begin repairing polluted and wasted lands through mycoremediation.

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My gratitude goes to the people that open their laboratory, workshops and farm doors allowing me to gain knowledge and insight into the fascinating world of fungi with the social, ecological and political relationships it holds.

Thank you!

Dr. Sam Gandy (Ecological Sciences) Dr. Dalia Lewinsohn (mycologist) Dr. Alyona Biketova (mycologist) Dr. Achiya Livne (material scientist working with mycelium) Tim and Simon Livesey ( Livesey Brothers Woodland Mushroom Farm) Ian Loynes (former chef and mushroom farmer) Caroline Boidin (Logistics & Transfer Station Manager at Veolia UK) Sinan Asdar (AA Student) James Emery (AA Student)

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Fungi as regenerators, recyclers, and networkers that stick worlds together. - Merlin Sheldrke

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