MATERIAL ATLAS + DESIGN PROCESS
GROWING TOGETHER FA 2021 Detail Studio
A collectin of works by Natalie Page Williams
Photographed by me Location: Bloomington Hills, MI
CONTENTS 01-02 Abstract 03-04 05-06 07-12 13-18 19 20 21-30 31-38
Glossary Introduction Mycelium Context Precedent Studies Manufacturers Suppliers Schematic Design Design Development
ABSTRACT This dissertation reports on the findings of experiments and precedent studies to determine the optimum conditions required to grow mycelium into a single graded material for building + design purposes. A mycelium-based material provides important benefits, including replacement of multi-element design with single graded solutions; entirely new and versatile methods of design and construction, and a significant reduction of CO2 emissions and environmental harm.
A set of 15 case studies were conducted for this research. A Process of determining how this new material is gown using different substrates and can be used in exterior and interior construction. The dissertation concludes with a proposal for the future design integration of the findings from this research.
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GLOSSARY Autoclave
Chitin
A pressure chamber used as sterilization method
A polysaccharide often found in the exoskeleton of many arthropods such as insects, spiders, and crustaceans
Binding Agent
Composites
A Material or substance which holds material together to form a cohesive whole
Two or more materials which are combined to yield a new material with improved performance
Bio-composite
Enzyme
Two or more materials (one being naturally derived) are combined to yield a new material with improved performance
A biological catalyst
Bio-utilization
Ecology
The direct use of nature for beneficial purposes
the study of the relationships between living organisms, including humans, and their physical environment
Biomimicry The purpose by which functional problems in man made design are resolved by solutions inspired by nataure
To introduce a microorganism into a substrate
Cellulose
Substrate
A key structural component of plant cell walls
The medium upon which mycelium is grown on
Inoculate
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INTRODUCTION Throughout architectural history, designers have looked to nature for inspiration. Yet the influence of the natural world goes beyond just aesthetics. It can also inform the operative elements and systems of architectural + interior design.
A key example of this is Neri Oxman, whose pioneering work takes inspiration from biological materials such as mollusk shells and silkworms which can adapt to their environment by applying a natural material gradient.
Biomimicry is the name given to the process by which functional problems in man-made design are resolved by solutions inspired by nature and biological systems. The term is defined by Michael Pawlyn in his book Biomimicry in Architecture as "translating adaptions in biology into solutions in architecture" (Pawlyn, 2011). For example, drawing inspiration from birds who use their down feathers as insulation and creating something similar with man-made materials to insulate homes and buildings. As a result, by utilizing biomimicry, architects have been able to create a more efficient response to environmental sustainability.
Naturally occurring functional gradients are designed by nature to be able to perform a variety of functions when subject to specific conditions and the working environments to which they are subjected (Pawlyn, 2011). Human-made functionally graded materials are an example of biomimicry and they are graded in response to a variety of functional needs.
Concrete sample with a linear density gradient
Neri Oxman is currently working on a 3D printer with the ability to print 3D products with controllable density gradients. With the ability to 3D print controlled densities, it is possible on an architectural scale to improve material qualities such as "strength, weight, material usage, and functionality" (Oxman, Keating, and Tsai, 2011). This technique would allow the building and the construction industry to drastically cut down on CO2 emissions due to the conservation of energy used to produce, transport, and construct multiple building materials.
This application is evident in Ecoactive's use of mycelium based materials as a replacement for polystyrene and plastic packaging (figure 3)
This is crucial as the carbon emissions of material production, transportation, and construction add up to 30-40% of the total emissions of various building lifecycle stages. Bio-utilization takes this idea a step further and refers to "the direct use of nature for beneficial purposes" (Pawlyn 2011). A key example of this is the application of the biological material mycelium in: replacing harmful production practices by utilizing organic and biodegradable materials (ex. removing the use of one-use plastics) creating a replacement for harmful, mainstream materials with large carbon footprints The development of carbon-negative buildings and products that sequester carbon and break down waste. Using mycelium as a "restorative" binding agent for existing damaged materials.
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Type
MYCELIUM
Material Research Pre-design
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MYCELIUM
Spores are released upon a growth medium (or substrate). If conditions are favorable, spores will germinate.
Fine fungal filaments known as hyphae grow from the spores. Compatible hyphae mate to create mycelium.
Growing mycelium breaks down organic matter and absorbs nutrients from its surroundings. During this stage of growth, mycelium expands at an exponential rate.
Mycelium condenses into hyphal knots, which then develop into “primordia” or baby mushrooms.
Mycelium Characteristics Mycelium is the vegetative tissue of the fungus, the medium through which it absorbs nutrients. It has these root-like connective fibers that when dried can be used as a strong, water+mold resistant, fire-resistant, and insulating building material.
Mycelium networks can span up to 2,384 acres. Note: Mycelium gets its strength from chitin, which is a fibrous substance inside of the cell which also makes up the exoskeleton of crabs + crustaceans.
Mycleium's Role in the Ecosystem: Fungi are important in systems because of their innate ability to recycle nutrients which allows the nutrients to become available to other organisms in the environment. Fungi close the energy cycle in ecosystems with decomposition and by breaking down molecules to allow nutrients to be accessible that were previously locked away. The decomposition of plant material + waste Cleanse pollutants from the soil and water Recycles nutrients to surrounding plant life Cleans the air as mushrooms grow Carbon Sequestration
As plants grow they absorb CO2, producing carbonrich biomass. Fungi then are able to decompose this material, liberating CO2 back into the environment's soil, keeping it out of the atmosphere. This process is called carbon sequestration.
Importance of Carbon Sequestration: Carbon sequestration is simply the intake and storage of the element carbon. Because they soak up the carbon that would otherwise rise up and trap heat in the atmosphere, trees, and plants, and most importantly, fungi, are important players in efforts to stall climate change. Growing Conditions Outdoor Conditions Mushrooms may be found in a variety of habitats. The two main habitat types being: Pasture: grassy areas, farm or wild. Woodland: decaying leaf litter in forests They do not require sunlight to grow. They thrive in cool, moist regions like the pacific northwest. The best time to find them in nature is in the Fall around October. Indoor Conditions Can be gown any time of year. Colonizes most rapidly between 75-80°F Requires either no light or indirect light Grows best in sterile containers in damp cool environments such as a basement or cabinet. Depending on the mushroom strain and growing conditions, the substrate will be completely colonized by the mushroom mycelium in 2-4 weeks.
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MYCELIUM MATERIALS The ability to grow mycelium indoors allows for a lot of opportunities to grow it in large quantities, at a fraction of the time and cost. The first person to see the possibilities that mycelium had was Eben Bayer, who comes from a sustainable upbringing and has a passion for science and technology. In 2004, Eben founded Ecovative Design in Green Island, NY, which was the first company to take mycelium and create 100% compostable alternatives to plastics, leather, styrofoam packaging, meat and more.
On the right is Eban Bayer with his cofounder Gavin McIntyre on his left
How does it work? When the fungus is implanted in a suitable place, the mycelium behaves like glue, cementing the substrate and transforming it into a solid block. This substrate can be composed of sawdust, groundwood, straw, various agricultural wastes, or other similar materials, which might otherwise be burned or composted, returning the carbon to the atmosphere as it grows. Depending on the mycelium strain and the substrate used, the final product can be molded and dried to produce insulating panels, furniture, accessories, fabrics, packaging materials, and even bricks, with good thermal, water resistant and acoustic characteristics and strong fire behavior. Scientific research has shown that, in terms of physical and mechanical characteristics, mycelium-based materials resemble expanded Styrofoam, but with an improved level of biodegradability.
The mold making facility at Mycoworks
MYCELIUM MOLD PRODUCTION CYCLE How long does it take to grow? From inoculation it can take up to two weeks, but the molding process only takes 5 days. Does the process require sunlight? It depends. Not all mushrooms require sunlight. How much does it cost to make a mycelium brick product? Every square foot of mycelia material costs $50 to make which is a cut above the cost of wood, cork, and synthetic plastics.
How long does mycelium products last? When in contact with the ground a mycelium panel may start to decompose in about a period of six weeks. On the contrary, if maintained in favorable and stable conditions it can have a lifespan of approximately 20 years.
Biohm also produces mycelium bricks to use in construction
How strong is mycelium compared to other materials? It's compressive strength is around 30 psi which in comparison to the 4000 psi compressive strength of concrete is dramatically less. However, relative to its weight a mycelium brick is stronger than concrete with a cubic metre of mycelium brick weighing 43 kg and a cubic metre of concrete weighing 2400 kg.
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MYCOTREE
Designed by: KIT Karlsruhe + ETH Zürich + Singapore-ETH Centre Exhibit: “Beyond Mining – Urban Growth” Location: Seoul Biennale Date: 2017 MycoTree is a spatial branching structure made out of load-bearing mycelium components. Its geometry was designed using 3D graphic statics, keeping the weak material in compression only. Its complex nodes were grown in digitally fabricated moulds. Mycelium-based materials offer significant ecological advantages on the one hand but comparably low structural strength on the other. However, achieving stability through geometry rather than through material strength opens up the possibility of using weak materials. Note: Shows the interior spatial capabilities, unique molds to create structural "blocks", use of pins to lock blocks in place, using geometry to maximize strength potential.
Top view
Acting as compressive building blocks, these cultivated, biological elements can be biodegraded after use and their components returned as nutrients into the natural metabolism.
Section view
Assembly
HY-FI
Designed by: The Living + Ecoactive Exhibit: Hy-Fi at the MOMA Location: Queens, New York Date: 2014 n 2014, The Living and Ecocative tested and refined a new lowenergy biological building material by manufacturing 10,000 compostable mycelium bricks and constructing a 13-meter-tall (about 43ft) tower. This pavilion hosted public cultural events for three months. Once it was disassembled the bricks were composted and returned resulting in the creation of soil to local community gardens. This successful experiment offers many possibilities for future construction. The pavilion that was built in the yard of MoMA PS1 won the MoMA's Young Architects Program in 2014. With ARUP's structural advice, mycelium bricks were developed, which grew in less than a week in prismatic molds from the residue of chopped corn stalks. View looking up from inside
Note: This project celebrates the carbon-negative lifecycle of the mycelium bricks This highlights the biodegradability of this material after use and it shows the stature of the projects by which mycelium can be used in. This project gives me confidence in utilizing the vertical element to my advantage in this project.
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CIRCULAR GARDEN
Designed by: Carlo Ratti Exhibit: Milan Design Week Location: Orto Botanico di Brera botanical garden in Milan Date: 2019 Carlo Ratti Associates, working in collaboration with the energy company Eni, developed an architectural structure made of mushrooms that was revealed at Milan Design Week. The “Circular Garden” is a series of arches composed of one kilometer of mycelium, wherein the spores were injected into an organic material to start the growth process. As many pavilions for temporary exhibitions generate a significant amount of waste, this project follows a more sustainable course, with its constitutive mushrooms, ropes, and shredded wood chips returned to the ground after the end of the exhibition.
Note: This method of construction and execution enables architects to create structures that rely on compression rather than tension to hold their shape. In addition to that, this conveys that mycelium can be easily grown in forms other than bricks and can take any shape that the spores are injected into.
End-to-end the chain measures a kilometre – a "record" length for the fungus material.
THE SHELL MYCELIUM PAVILLION Designed by: BEETLES 3.3 and Yassin Areddia Exhibit: Kochi Muziris Biennale Location: Fort Kochi, Kerala, India Date: 2016
A group of Indian and Italian architects built a pavilion in India using mycelium, to demonstrate how the material could be used to create temporary venues for major events. Thanks to its environmentally friendly properties, they believe it could be easily utilized to create temporary rather than permanent structures during major events, like international sports tournaments and world expos. To make this happen, the architects created a series of tray-like cavities in the structure. These were filled with fungus then covered over with coir pith, which consists of coconut husk fibres. In time, the top layer dried up and died, creating a protective shell over the mycelium.
Note: Mycelium can easily bind to using timber as a framework for the mycelium to grow and take shape.
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THE GROWING PAVILLION Designed by: Pascal Leboucq and Krown Design, Company New Heros Exhibit: Dutch Design Week Location: Eindhoven, Netherlands Date: 2019
The Growing Pavilion is a temporary events space at Dutch Design Week constructed with panels grown from mushroom mycelium supported on a timber frame. Note: The exterior panels are covered with a biobased coating developed by the Maya people in Mexico that seals it from rain. The panels were attached to a timber frame, and can be removed and repurposed as necessary. The floors are made from cattails, with interior and exterior benches made from agricultural waste. The mushrooms growing in the panel frames were harvested every day at 3pm in front of an audience, with the produce cooked and available to purchase from a food truck that was located near the site.
MYX LAMP
Designed by: Jonas Edvard Type: Interior Fixture (H11.4" x W12.6") Location: Copenhagen Date: 2013 The MYX lamp by Danish product designer Jonas Edvard features an organic exterior grown from plant fibers and mushroom mycelium. The lampshade takes approximately three weeks to create. First, plant fibers and mushroom mycelium grow together to create a soft and flexible living textile designed in a cylindrical form. After two weeks, edible Oyster mushrooms are harvested from the exterior of the lampshade, the waste product that remains becomes the lamp. The lightweight material offers an organic, compostable and sustainable alternative to traditional design components. Note: Rather than ditching waste products, product like this one can me reimagined as luminaires and other interior products.
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MANUFACTURERS
Name: Biomason Location: 2 Triangle Dr, Durham, NC Specialty: Mycelium bricks, collaboration furnishings
Name: Ecoactive Location: 70 Cohoes Avenue Suite 103 Green Island, NY Specialty: Mycelium bricks, packaging, insulation
Name: MycoWorks Location: Emeryville, California Specialty: Mycelium leather and textiles
Name: Biohm Location: Unit 5A, Juno Way London Specialty: Mycelium acoustic and thermal insulation
Name: Bolt Threads Location: Emeryville, Calif Specialty: Mycelium based textiles, leathers and fibers.
Name: Magical Mushroom Company Location: Esher, Surrey Specialty: Custom mycelium packaging
SUPPLIERS
Name: Ecoactive Location: New York Email: info@ecovativedesig n.com
Name: Mogu Location: Inarzo, Italy Email: enquire@mogu.bio
Name: MycoWorks Location: Emeryville, California Main:(415) 987-8038
Name: Four Star Mushrooms Location: Chicago, IL Email: joe@ fourstarmushrooms.com Main: 847 687 7676
Name: Grown Bio Location: Hilversum, Nederland Email: jan@grown.bio Main: +316 51 57 51 13
Name: Magic Mushroom Coompany Location: Esher, Surrey Email:hello@magical mushroom.com
Name: Sebastian Cox Location: Harrington Way, London Email:studio@sebastianco x.co.uk Main: +44 20 8316 5679
Name: Mylo Location: Emeryville, CA Email: hello@mylounleather.com
Name: Biofab Location: Auckland, New Zealand Email: info@biofab.co.nz
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Type
MYCELIUM Schematic Design Process Inspiration
Biomimicry
Form
Material
Function
Texture
Light
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PROGRAM For this project, I chose the program that requires the student to design a "sacred" space that sits 10 people and can be defined as a smaller space, fitting near the dimensions of 12' x 12' x 12'.
For me when I think of sacred space, I think of being connected with the outdoors and having a blurred boundary between the indoors and outdoors. When I am in an open space, I feel more encouraged to get outside of my current physical and mental space. I remember when it was Covid, many people sought out to do explore far and local wildlife weather was through hiking, biking, or just simply getting your feet in the dirt.
Nature has this beautiful power that when in the right conditions, can heal people, take them on a journey away from the stresses of reality, and help bring a new perspective.
For this project, I will be focusing on how I can create a sacred space that exceeds the requirements and pushes the current boundary of what one defines as a sacred space.
SITE: NORTHPORT, MI
I chose this site because I feel like it best fit my idea of where a sacred space should be located. Somewhere deep in nature where people of any religious background can go and practice meditation and grounding, it exactly what I see in this site. I like the subtle change in elevation, I think that could potentially lead to some spaces that sport a cantilever or something the gradually can hover you over the ground.
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INSPIRATION Peter Zumthor: Serpantine Pavillion
Designed by: Peter Zumthor Type: Pavillion Location: London Date: 2011 I admire this pavilion and how it is the mysterious-looking place on the exterior that you have to find your way through in order to sit and enjoy the center garden. I like how this space blurs the line between indoor and outdoor and allows people to enjoy nature and the weather without having to worry about getting soaked in the rain or burnt in the sun.
INSPIRATION Dasha Plensen: The Art of Mould Artist Dasha Plesen combines molds, bacteria, spores, and other objects in Petri dishes to create these colorful abstract photographs. I love how the disgusting is also extremely beautiful who wouldn't be drawn to those crazy colors? This artist inspires the ideas of using looks of layers in textures and maybe even having a part of the design be designated from fruiting mushrooms. I think the colors and textures engage people more, and I could use that as a floor element to get people interested in lying or sitting on a floor as part of the experience.
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INSPIRATION Rob Bell : Zonontopia Rob Bell creates Zomes: a magical, fantasy-like architecture combining art, engineering, and love into a series of pavilion-like structures. I like these structures and how they breathe on the playa. This idea of having no windows or doors can make a space feel more open to everyone, and at the same time when in the right conditions it can be very adaptive to temperatures.
INSPIRATION The Doors of Art Nouveau I have always been an fn of the Art Nouveau Era and how the design of the time was based on nature. What I admire the most, are their almost Wes Anderson-like doorways that look like beautifully stretched gum, in these bright colors and organic shapes. This design brings this element of surprise and flow to the concept that I think would be a great thing to incorporate into my architecture.
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CONCEPT A project which explores the idea of coexistence between humans and nature by bringing unity into the space of meditation. When humans need to escape, they venture towards the calm environment that are flourished in flora and fauna. However, given the state of the climate, the relationship between nature and humans has become imbalanced.
Through the use of solely bio-based materials and a spotlight on mycelium, the designer of Growing Together experiments with the possibility of creating structures that give back to the earth. This project has a focus on sustainability, and how in a world where nothing is permanent, we need to start thinking about how we can better the temporary through carbon-neutral, and biodegradable architecture + interiors.
DESIGN PROPOSALS
Option One II like the idea of implementing an elevated pathway that can carry people,e to the space as they enjoy a magical walk through the forest. The exterior would be made of mycelium panels and there would be an entrance and an exit for egress.
Option Two In the center of the structure would be a tree which would also provide the space with some structural support. Around the tree would be a detailed spiral which would also function as a bookcase and would symbolize time and growth.
Option Three The mushroom cap design is meant to mimic that of an oyster mushroom which has a look of shape flowing curves and geometry. Though I do really like the organic shape nature of this structures, I think considering the research, geometry is key to building a strong structure
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Type
MYCELIUM Design Development Materials Models
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MATERIALS + SUSTAINABILITY Mycelium
II carbon sequestering, compostable biodegradable, and non-toxic. Provides good insulating, acoustic, and fire performance
Maple Wood
sourced from Northern Building supply in Traverse City, MI. FSC certified wood grown in locally managed forests. untreated, strong, recyclable.
Myco Flooring
mycelium composite core, coated with bio-based resins. made of 90 % recycled content. biodegradable, carbon-neutral, slip-resistant, water-resistant, and durable
Jute Rope
biodegradable, strong tensile properties, compostable and longlasting. low maintenance cultivation, cost-effective, and carbon sequestering.
Cotton Duck Canvas
eco-based, extremely durable, easily made waterproof, wind resistant,tear-resistant, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
EXPLORING FORM Throughout the design process, I was inspired by the yin and yang symbols. To me, this symbol resembles the interconnectedness of the world as and when there is an equal balance between both nature and humans, is when harmony is achieved.
Weather The Mycelium can survive all sorts of temperatures if it is treated with a special oil from south America that helps to protect the mycelium from water or mold damage. This will be a temporary structure which will only be active for a few months over the summer.
Proposed Location The proposed location on the site is centered around a 26’ maple tree. The tree will help support the structure of the design and is a reminder that humans and plants both share a core commonality and that is life. The local ecosystem is important to this project, for it allows me to make a conscious choice on using local wood options, and to have a higher respect for all of the local species.
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EXTERIOR
Having carried out design option one from the schematic design research, I found that the circular geometry and using the mycelium as flooring and wall panels attached to a timber stud wall, would make the structure very strong, wind-resistant, and allow light inside.
Exterior Wall Details
INTERIOR
I chose to use very simple furnishings because when in a zen space, concentration is key, and by limiting the distraction inside, that will allow for a better experience for users, There are two types of seating, one which is a bench and the other with is a moveable floor pillow. This allows people with body ailment, or just preference, be able to choose how the meditate.
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SYSTEMS ELECTRICAL
KEY Weatherproof Switch Weatherproof Outlet Pendent Light Wall Light
Exterior Adjustable WallMounted Spot Light
The wall lights are fastened to the interior of the stud wall. Each side has its own waterproof switch to control it. The pendant which is located over the desk is connected to the waterproof outlet. The waterproof switch and outlet are made waterproof due to the openness of the space and how it could be subjected to rain. On the exterior is the main entrance panel which can be accessed underneath the structure as well as the electrical meter, waterproof hardware, and the electrical conduit.
Mycelium Pendant Light With Weatherproof Socket + Cord
GFCI Weatherproof Electrical Box Cover Kit
MODELS A Mock Up, A Box, & A Lamp For all three of these projects, I grew mycelium and created molds to set the mycelium in to harden. To the right is a QR code that will show you a video of my 4 stage process, from rehydrating a mycelium substrate to discussing the finished product. In detail, it will discuss how I grew the mycelium, the equipment I used, growth periods, and the environmental factors that played a huge role in the process.
The mock-up (top left) is a to-scale partial model of how the mycelium panel is hung on the exterior of the stud wall. It also shows how the nogging acts as a support system for the installation.
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THANK YOU
CONTACT + CONNECT Interested in learning more?
Check out https://heynatalie.myportfolio.com/
12.09.2021