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Hof – Rising energy prices and limited resources present major challenges for the construction industry. At the same time, natural materials are gaining importance as sustainable alternatives to fossil-based insulation products, enabling more energy-efficient buildings. This is where the research project “Mycobuild” comes in, currently being carried out at the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers (ibp) at Hof University of Applied Sciences. Its goal is to develop market-ready insulation materials based on fungal mycelium and to establish an industrial production process.
Conventional insulation materials are often made from synthetic or mineral resources that require high energy input and come with a poor environmental footprint. The Hof research project takes a different approach: insulation made from fungal mycelium. Project leader Prof. Dr. Robert Honke explains:
“Fungal networks actually offer numerous advantages: they are compostable, store CO₂, and require less energy to produce than conventional fossil-based insulation materials. In addition, they can be shaped flexibly and are scalable for industrial production.”
The Production Process and Its Challenges
The production of mycelium-based insulation, as currently tested in Hof, involves several steps. First, a substrate made from locally available plant residues such as dry straw is prepared, serving as a nutrient base for the fungi. The mycelium of a selected fungal species is then applied to the substrate, spreading within days through the material in the desired shape and binding it into a solid composite. Afterwards, the material is dried, heated, and the fungi are inactivated.
One of the greatest challenges lies in enabling fungal growth under controlled conditions, since the organisms are highly sensitive to contamination. Even tiny amounts of foreign microorganisms can destroy an entire culture, which makes sterile working conditions and an optimal choice of substrate critical. Dr. Katharina Wellmanns, research associate at ibp, highlights the importance of this step:
“We need to find the perfect balance: the substrate must provide enough nutrients for optimal mycelium growth but not contain too many sugars, as this would encourage mold formation.”
Extensive Testing
Before the material can be used as insulation, it must undergo extensive testing. Even in its raw form, flexibility, moisture absorption, and thermal conductivity are examined to ensure the boards meet construction standards. A key development is the integration of a mineral coating layer, implemented by project partner Johann Bergmann GmbH & Co. KG, which prevents moisture penetration and thus minimizes the risk of mold.
The coating is applied in several steps and tested thoroughly to make sure the material’s properties remain intact. The technology is advancing rapidly, and it may soon be possible to produce mycelium-based insulation that is fully waterproof, virtually eliminating mold risks. Dr. Wellmanns is optimistic:
“Our tests show that the mineral layer not only protects the material but also increases its strength. We are working to optimize the production process so that complete water resistance can be achieved.”
The Right Fungal Species and Their Growth Conditions
A central aspect of the project is selecting suitable fungal species. Native fungi have proven particularly promising, including oyster mushrooms, honey fungus, the lilac blewit, and the giant polypore. These species can grow at room temperature without additional heating or cooling—an important advantage for energy-efficient production.
“Choosing the right fungal species is crucial. Some grow faster, others form more stable structures. The oyster mushroom, in particular, has proven to be a robust candidate, as it spreads quickly and forms dense networks,” explains Dr. Wellmanns.
Good Fungus, Bad Fungus
However, mushroom cultivation also carries risks. Cultivated fungi must compete against other microorganisms. If unwanted mold spreads, an entire batch can become unusable within hours. Therefore, selecting the right nutrient substrate is essential, since excessive sugar content could favor the growth of harmful microbes.
Addressing Consumer Concerns
In addition to technical challenges, there are naturally some consumer reservations. “Many people might be skeptical about insulation made from fungi, fearing it could lead to mold problems in their homes,” acknowledges project leader Prof. Dr. Honke. This is exactly why the mineral coating is being developed so intensively. Once fully matured, the material will be completely resistant to moisture and, ideally, indistinguishable from conventional insulation in terms of performance.
From Research to Practice
The Mycobuild project aims to transfer its results into industrial applications in the medium to long term. While the Institute for Circular Economy of Bio:Polymers at Hof University is responsible for the scientific development and material optimization, Johann Bergmann GmbH & Co. KG, as the industry partner, focuses on scaling the processes for production. Success will largely depend on whether production can be scaled effectively, since only then—when produced in sufficient quantities and at competitive costs—can mycelium insulation become a real alternative to existing products.
Funding
The project is supported under the DATIpilot program of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). The aim of this program is to transfer innovative research approaches into practice and strengthen Germany’s capacity for innovation.
Insulation of the Future?
With Mycobuild, a promising approach to sustainable construction is being explored. Mycelium-based insulation materials could mark a paradigm shift in the industry—offering benefits for the environment, the economy, and consumers alike. By March 2026, the project is expected to demonstrate industrial feasibility and make a significant contribution to eco-friendly construction of the future.
Prof. Dr. Robert Honke, Hochschule Hof
An example of facade insulation based on fungal mycelium.
Quelle: Hochschule Hof
Copyright: Hochschule Hof
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