Mythic Mytherials

Paper publication in proceedings of DRS2024

Mycelium bio-composite exhibits remarkable versatility showing properties that are useful for the construction industry, including thermal insulation and acoustic isolation. Despite its potential, mycelium remains an unfamiliar material. To enable bio-designers to successfully implement mycelium bio-composite insulation, creating an understanding of potential users’ views on and experience of the material is important. To research this, an interdisciplinary co-design workshop was conducted with potential stakeholders focusing on interaction with, discovery of, and brainstorming about mycelium bio-composite insulation. The results showed that stakeholders mostly have a positive material experience with mycelium bio-composites and are open to acceptance. They predominantly viewed mycelium bio-composites as a sustainable, circular, lightweight, and bio-based alternative to fossil-based insulation. The stakeholders also indicated that acquiring recognition and certification in the European construction market is a necessity. Further acceptance could be promoted by increasing familiarity with the material through designing opportunities for interaction with and informing about mycelium bio-composites.