Due to environmental problems caused by climate change, the construction industry has begun to adopt innovative materials. One innovative and eco-friendly construction material used for sustainable construction is mycelium bricks. This is a low-carbon substitute made from agricultural waste material. Read this blog to understand more about mycelium bricks.
What Are Mycelium Bricks?
Mycelium bricks, often called “mushroom bricks”, are bio-composite construction materials made by cultivating mycelium, the root-like network of fungi, on a substrate of agricultural or organic waste.
Mycelium is the vegetative part of a fungus, consisting of a dense network of hyphae (thread-like filaments). When grown under controlled conditions, mycelium acts like a natural glue, binding together organic matter such as sawdust, straw, or corn husks to create a solid, brick-like structure.
Unlike traditional clay bricks that require high-temperature kilns, mushroom bricks grow naturally at room temperature, consuming minimal energy during production. Mycelium is an absolutely organic, compostable, and biodegradable material. When it is dried, it turns incredibly durable and resistant to water, mould, and fire. They are suitable for interior panelling.
Benefits of Mycelium Bricks
The following are mycelium brick benefits:
Eco-Friendly Building Material
Mycelium bricks are considered carbon-negative because the fungus absorbs carbon dioxide (CO₂) as it grows, reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Made from agricultural waste and fungal mycelium, these bricks are fully biodegradable. At the end of their life, they can be composted, returning nutrients to the soil and leaving no toxic residue.
Energy Efficient
Mycelium has a unique cellular structure that makes it an excellent insulator. Buildings made with mycelium bricks require less energy for heating and cooling, which lowers utility costs and reduces environmental impact.
Cost-Effective
Mushroom bricks are grown using inexpensive raw materials like sawdust or straw, and the production process requires much less energy than firing clay bricks. Over time, as technology scales up, the cost is expected to drop further.
Fire Resistant
Mycelium contains chitin, a naturally fire-resistant compound. When exposed to flames, mycelium bricks char on the outside but do not easily ignite, improving building safety.
Applications of Mycelium Bricks in Construction
The following are the major areas where Mycelium bricks can be effectively used in construction:
Temporary Modular Structures
Mycelium bricks can provide an effective solution for projects requiring temporary structures or modular construction. With these brick options, buildings can be constructed easily and in less time. Once no longer needed, you can break the materials, reducing the waste, and they can also be repurposed.
Exterior Cladding and Facades
Mycelium bricks offer a unique appearance with insulating properties. This will be a two-in-one option with both aesthetic and functional benefits.
Sustainable Building Materials
You can switch from regular construction materials to this eco-friendly material. Mycelium bricks are lightweight, reduce energy consumption, and lower the carbon footprint associated with the production and transportation of building materials.
Building Insulation
As mushroom bricks offer superior thermal insulation, they can be used as insulating materials for walls, floors, and roofs, lowering energy consumption for heating and cooling and improving building energy efficiency.
Non-Load-Bearing Walls or Partition Walls
Mycelium bricks can be used to build non-load-bearing walls. They are mainly used inside buildings for partitions to divide rooms. These walls are great for places that need good heat and sound insulation, but without adding much weight to the structure. This makes them a good choice for homes and offices that want to be more energy-efficient and eco-friendly.
How to Make Mycelium Bricks?
You need to follow these manufacturing stages to prepare mycelium bricks:
Step 1: Substrate Preparation
Preparing an organic substrate is the first step in producing mycelium bricks. A substrate is a material on which the mycelium can be grown; it can be straw, wooden logs, sawdust, coco peat, or sugarcane molasses. After the selection, it should be cleaned and sterilised to make it free from microbes or contaminants that could hinder the growth of the mycelium. Next, the substrate is hydrated with water to form the optimal moisture content for mycelium growth.
Step 2: Inoculation with Mycelium Spores
After the preparation of the substrate, it will be inoculated with mycelium spores or mushroom spawn (often from fungi species like Pleurotus ostreatus or Ganoderma lucidum, known for their strong binding properties). The inoculation process will be done by mixing the spores thoroughly into the substrate, ensuring an even distribution for uniform growth of mycelium. The inoculated substrate is sometimes placed in a controlled environment where temperature, humidity, and light levels can be maintained to promote mycelium growth.
Step 3: Incubation
The inoculated substrate is placed to incubate in a controlled environment for a specific period, from days to a few weeks, based on the species of fungus and environmental conditions. During incubation, the mycelium grows, colonizing and binding the substrate into a cohesive, foam-like structure. This process can take from several days up to three weeks, depending on the fungal species and conditions.
Step 4: Shaping into Bricks
Shape the material into bricks by placing the colonised substrate into moulds that shape the material into brick-like forms. You can choose the mould as per your brick requirements. After moulding, the bricks are placed to dry to remove excess moisture. This step is essential to stabilize the material and ensure the bricks maintain their shape during handling and transportation.
Step 5: Curing and Final Drying
The brick will be removed from the moulds and subjected to drying and heat treatment. This step halts the growth of the mycelium, kills any remaining spores or bacteria, and hardens the structure, making the brick stable and durable. Drying can be done in an oven or curing chamber, and it is important to achieve the final mechanical properties and prevent decomposition. This is essential for final drying and hardening. This process may take several days, during which the mushroom brick will become firm and stable.
Machinery and Equipment Required For Mushroom Bricks Production
To manufacture mycelium bricks, you require the following machines and types of equipment:
- Substrate Processing Machines: These are used to clean, cut, and sterilize organic waste like sawdust or crop leftovers. This makes the waste ready for growing mycelium.
- Mixing Machine: It mixes the cleaned waste with mycelium spores and water to start the growth process.
- Incubation Chambers: These are special rooms or containers where the mixture is kept at the right temperature and humidity so the mycelium can grow and spread.
- Moulds and Presses: These tools are used to shape the grown material into bricks of different sizes.
- Drying Chambers: After shaping, the bricks are dried in these chambers to make them hard and ready for use.
- Quality Testing Tools & Machines: These machines check how strong the bricks are, how well they keep heat in, and how resistant they are to fire.
- Packaging Machines: These are used to pack the finished bricks properly for storage or transport.
Challenges and Limitations of Mycelium Bricks
The following are mycelium brick disadvantages you need to consider:
Durability Concerns
Mushroom bricks are lightweight and less robust than traditional materials like concrete bricks or fired clay bricks. They are best used for non-load-bearing walls, insulation panels, or temporary structures.
Moisture Sensitivity
Mycelium is naturally absorbent and can degrade when exposed to moisture over time. For outdoor or structural use, bricks need to be sealed with protective coatings, which can add to costs and complexity.
Scalability Issues
Most mushroom brick manufacturing is still at the pilot or small-scale stage. Scaling up to meet the needs of the construction industry requires new infrastructure, investment, and technological advances.
Regulatory Hurdles
Currently, most building codes and regulations are designed for traditional materials. Mycelium bricks don’t have standardised certifications, making it difficult for builders to get approval for their use in large projects.
Mycelium Bricks vs. Traditional Bricks
| Feature | Mycelium Bricks | Traditional Bricks |
| Environmental Impact | Mycelium bricks are a sustainable building material and carbon-negative. They use agricultural waste and absorb CO₂ during production. They are biodegradable and have a very low carbon footprint. | Traditional bricks (especially fired clay or concrete) release a lot of CO₂ during production and are not biodegradable. |
| Cost Comparison | Mycelium bricks can be cheaper to produce because they use low-cost waste materials and require less energy. However, due to limited supply, new technology, and lack of infrastructure, they are currently more expensive in the market. | Traditional bricks are cheaper and widely available because of established production systems, but their production is energy-intensive and uses non-renewable resources. |
| Strength & Longevity | Mycelium bricks are much lighter and not as strong as traditional bricks. They can be used for non-load-bearing walls, insulation, or temporary structures. Their lifespan is shorter (often up to 20 years) and they are more vulnerable to moisture and decay. | Traditional bricks are much stronger and more durable. They are suitable for load-bearing structures and can last for decades or even centuries. |
| Weight | Mycelium bricks are very light (about 43 kg/m³), making them easy to handle and transport. | Traditional bricks are heavy (about 2,400 kg/m³ for concrete), making them sturdy but harder to move. |
| Thermal Insulation | Mycelium bricks provide excellent thermal insulation, better than many traditional materials. | Traditional bricks provide some insulation but are less effective than mycelium bricks. |
| Fire Resistance | Mushroom bricks are naturally fire-resistant and non-toxic. | Traditional bricks are also fire-resistant, especially fired clay and concrete types. |
| Biodegradability | 100% biodegradable—can decompose naturally after use. | Not biodegradable—remains in the environment for a long time after demolition. |
| Production Time | Can be produced quickly (in a few days to weeks). | Production takes longer due to firing or curing processes. |
Cost of Mushroom Bricks
The cost of mycelium bricks is currently higher than conventional clay bricks due to limited large-scale production and the need for sterilized substrates, fungal spawn, and controlled growth conditions. With wider adoption, local sourcing of agricultural waste, and improved manufacturing efficiency, costs are expected to drop significantly and approach those of standard clay or concrete bricks in the coming years.
Future of Mycelium Bricks in Construction
Eco-Housing & Modular Construction
Mycelium bricks are gaining traction as a sustainable alternative for eco-housing and modular construction. Their lightweight, insulating, and biodegradable nature makes them ideal for green buildings, temporary structures, and modular designs.
Improving Durability & Water Resistance
Research is going on to enhance mycelium bricks’ durability and water resistance. Scientists are experimenting with reinforcement methods and protective coatings to address strength and moisture sensitivity limitations. These advancements are crucial for expanding the use of mycelium bricks beyond non-load-bearing and interior applications.
3D Printing Integration
The potential for integrating mycelium materials with 3D printing technology is another exciting development. This approach allows for the creation of custom architectural designs, complex shapes, and efficient use of materials, further supporting sustainable and innovative construction practices.
On a final note, similar to other innovative construction materials, mycelium bricks also have the potential to emerge as a significant player. To ensure that such advanced materials are used effectively, partnering with a reliable construction company is essential. Brick & Bolt is a tech-enabled construction company based in India that offers transparent pricing, rigorous quality assurance with over 470 quality checks, and real-time project tracking for residential and commercial construction projects. Their services are designed to make the construction process efficient, stress-free, and accessible, making them a suitable choice for implementing innovative and sustainable building materials like mycelium brick insulation in your home.
Hemali Patel