Brief
Discover how PLP Architects’ innovative research is revolutionising the building industry, utilising the sustainable and renewable potential of mycelium, the root-like structure of fungi, for greener architecture.
Insight
PLP Architects, UK-based pioneers of eco-friendly construction, are paving the way towards a greener future. They’re revolutionising the industry with an innovative approach that integrates human needs with environmental considerations, inspired by the concept of symbiosis in biology.
In what could be termed a paradigm shift in architecture, the London-based firm anticipates a transition from the current Anthropocene age – marked by human dominance – to the Symbiocene era, an age defined by harmony between humans and nature. As part of this evolution, they’ve adopted ‘symbiotecture,’ a construction philosophy that prioritises the use of renewable energy and biodegradable materials.
To bring their philosophy to life, PLP’s in-house research group, PLP Labs, has spent the last year exploring the architectural potential of mycelium, a fungal structure renowned for its carbon-absorbing properties. The mycelium’s unique attributes have established it as a promising sustainable alternative in the construction sector, with potential applications ranging from insulating small homes to repairing concrete cracks and even the possibility of constructing habitats on the Moon or Mars.
In a remarkable showcase of innovation, the PLP Labs team has successfully grown mycelium within a 3D-printed wooden mould to form robust and mouldable structures. This blend of mycelium and 3D-printed wood is then utilised to create variously shaped modular blocks, which can be assembled into a variety of functional structures such as partitions, seating, planters, and tables.
Unlike conventional building materials like concrete and steel, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions, these mycelium-based biocomposites are renewable, biodegradable, lightweight, and fire-resistant. In addition, their production process has minimal environmental impact, further underscoring the potential of mycelium-based architecture for sustainable construction and contributing significantly to the fight against climate change.
Hightlight
- As part of this evolution, they’ve adopted ‘symbiotecture,’ a construction philosophy that prioritises the use of renewable energy and biodegradable materials.
- This blend of mycelium and 3D-printed wood is then utilised to create variously shaped modular blocks, which can be assembled into a variety of functional structures such as partitions, seating, planters, and tables.
- Unlike conventional building materials like concrete and steel, which contribute significantly to carbon emissions, these mycelium-based biocomposites are renewable, biodegradable, lightweight, and fire-resistant
Related Questions:
- How long do mycelium bricks last?
- What building materials are made from fungus?
- What are the benefits of building with mycelium?
- How can fungi be used as building materials?
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