Mushrooms? For a House?!

Why This 'Crazy' Mushroom Building Material is the Future of Green Construction & Shipping

Ever imagine a world where homes are grown, not built?

Where packaging disappears without a trace?

Sounds like something out of a fairytale, right?

Well, get ready to be amazed, because the future of building and packaging is pinning (get it, mushrooms pin?) right beneath our feet – literally!

We're talking about mushroom building materials and packaging, a revolutionary concept that's turning heads and transforming industries.

You might be thinking, "Mushrooms? Really?"

I know, it sounds a bit out there. But maybe not coming from me!

Trust me, this isn't some whimsical fantasy.

Mycelium, the root-like structure of mushrooms, is a surprisingly strong and versatile material.

Think of it as nature's glue, binding together agricultural waste like hemp or sawdust to create incredibly durable and sustainable alternatives to traditional materials.

Let's dig in.

Building the future with mushroom mycelium bricks

Imagine holding a mycelium brick – it's surprisingly lightweight, almost like solidified air!

These bricks, along with mushroom insulation and panels, are making waves in the construction world.

But the big question is, are mushroom building materials strong?

You bet they are.

NASA has studied mycelium bricks (2018) and some studies have shown that certain mycelium bricks can be twice as strong as concrete!

Another study noted that they could withstand a compressive strength comparable to adobe blocks.

Check them out here. 

Is mushroom-based construction a viable alternative to concrete?

While you might not be building a skyscraper with them just yet, this does raise an exciting question.  

For many applications, the answer is a resounding yes.

They are fantastic for:

• low-rise buildings 
• internal walls, and 
• insulation

The main challenge for using mycelium bricks in load-bearing walls is that the industry is still new, and building codes are catching up.

Currently, their use in major structural roles often requires special approval, but their potential is undeniable, especially as the technology improves.

So, how would you build a small house with mushroom bricks?

You'd likely use a traditional foundation and structural frame, but use the mycelium bricks as "infill" for the walls. They provide incredible insulation and structure for a small dwelling.

An upclose image of mushroom mycelium building material

Mushroom bricks are fire resistant

 What are the fire resistance properties of mushroom building materials?

Mycelium is naturally fire-retardant.

It doesn't burst into flame; instead, it creates a char layer that protects the material underneath, often achieving a Class A fire rating, the highest available.

This sounds like a dream come true living in Colorado where fires are a constant threat every year, and becoming worse. 

Pros and cons of mushroom building material 

For mycelium insulation, the pros are huge:

• an excellent option that competes with fiberglass 
• fantastic soundproofing, and 
• being completely natural

The biggest con is its relationship with water.

Untreated mycelium is like a sponge.

It must be protected from direct exposure to rain and high humidity with a waterproof barrier or coating to prevent it from degrading.

As for government regulations, this is an emerging field.

There aren't widespread, standardized codes for mushroom building materials yet.

Projects are often approved on a case-by-case basis, but as their popularity grows, we can expect to see more standardized regulations.

Unboxing a greener tomorrow with mushroom packaging

Now, let's talk mushroom packaging.

As an American, especially since the pandemic...you know the packaging struggle.

Remember that frustrating feeling of wrestling with plastic clamshells and Styrofoam peanuts?

Mushroom packaging offers a refreshing alternative.

So, is mushroom packaging biodegradable?

Absolutely.

That's its superpower.

When you're done with it, you can break it up and toss it in your garden or compost bin, where it will decompose and return to the soil in about 45 days.

Let's compare the environmental impact of using mushroom packaging to Styrofoam.

It's a night-and-day difference.

Styrofoam is:

• derived from fossil fuels, 
• its production is energy-intensive, and 
• it can take over 500 years to decompose in a landfill, leaching chemicals along the way.

In contrast, mushroom packaging is:

• grown from agricultural waste, 
• requires very little energy, and 
• actively enriches the soil as it breaks down 

But how long does mushroom packaging last? 

It's designed for a single, durable journey.

It will remain strong and protective as long as it's kept in a dry environment, like a warehouse or a shipping box.

It only begins to break down when exposed to moisture and microorganisms in the soil.

Mushrooms are, after all, the ultimate decomposers. 

For business owners and consumers

This is more than just an eco-friendly choice; it's a smart one.

Using it tells a powerful story about your brand's values.

If you're wondering where you can buy mushroom packaging materials for your business, companies like Ecovative Design (the pioneers behind MushroomPackaging.com) are leading the way and sell directly to businesses.

Making the sustainable switch

Cost is always a factor, right?

Currently, mushroom building materials and packaging can be slightly more expensive than conventional options.

But as the technology matures and production scales up, prices are expected to become more competitive.

Plus, consider the long-term savings on energy bills thanks to the superior insulation of mycelium, or the marketing value of truly sustainable packaging for your business.

They offer a tangible, powerful way to reduce our reliance on polluting industries and build a healthier future.

It's a journey of discovery, innovation, and a commitment to a more sustainable future.

Follow me and spread the spores!

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