Please turn your device to portrait.
Mycelium and 3D printed wood shells form new modular blocks by PLP Labs.
PLP Labs, the design research arm of the London-based architecture firm PLP, has developed an innovative modular building block made from mycelium, the vegetative part of a fungus.
Their approach involves bonding mycelium with 3D printed wood shells.
PLP Labs are positioning their new mycelium-based blocks as versatile, biodegradable, reusable, lightweight, and fire-resistant. They are created by filling a mould, 3D printed wood shells using sawdust, hemp, and flax, through which mycelium grows, forming a network that aims to replace traditional bricks and other building materials.
PLP Architecture is shifting from traditional architecture to “sumbiotecture,” a new approach focusing on collaboration with nature. The construction industry is a significant contributor to global pollution, responsible for 40% of annual carbon dioxide emissions.
“We believe architects and urban designers have a role in collaborating with nature to cultivate the urban landscape of the symbiocene.”
Mycelium, known for its diverse applications, from “myceliotronics” to other building uses, could play a crucial role in addressing climate change. The PLP team aims to extend the functionality of mycelium from minor applications like insulation and acoustic boards to major structural uses, including load-bearing blocks.
Watch their story
Associate partner Abhinav Chaudhary explained mycelium’s properties: “It grows underground and absorbs nutrients from its surroundings, creating a fibrous, amalgamated matter that eventually sprouts mushrooms.” This natural process forms the basis for the innovative building blocks. Senior associate partner Jenya Andersson added, “It’s very ecological, completely renewable, sustainable, and biodegradable. Once you get a finished product, it also has amazing acoustic and insulation properties.”
One demonstration showed a solid cube housing a grid of dowels, acting as a strengthening framework for the mycelium to adhere to. Mycelium “can be grown and harvested with minimal environmental impact,” according to PLP.
The company is also exploring related ventures, such as commercialising DIY fabrication kits that can be custom-moulded to fit specific needs. Additionally, they are studying the physical gaps that mycelium can bridge, further expanding its potential applications. Andersson highlighted the organic nature of the mycelium structure: “We have a complete solid structure using a lot less material. It’s a very organic form, and it’s very exciting to see where this will take us.”
According to company sources, these modular blocks offer a renewable, biodegradable alternative to traditional building materials with their ecological benefits and versatile applications.
See: https://plplabs.com/
