A recyclable and bio-based lightweight wall module made from wood, mycelium composite and natural plaster

AI Quick Summary

mycostrat is developing a recyclable, bio-based lightweight wall module made from wood, mycelium composite, and natural plaster. The system uses only renewable, non-toxic materials and offers excellent insulation, thermal buffering, and moisture regulation—improving indoor climate and reducing energy use. The wall modules (3 × 1.5 m, 5–15 cm thick) are ideal for sustainable and modular construction. A key focus is optimizing mycelium substrate moisture (<40%) to enable stable growth and minimizing shrinkage. In collaboration with HSLU IBI and CC Gebäudehülle und Ingenieurbau, supported by expert Prof. Dr. Susanne Gosztonyi, the project integrates building physics, circular design, and low-impact strategies to develop a durable, scalable, and climate-friendly building solution. 1) What challenge in the circular building and construction industry does your idea address? (max. 50 words)Our solution addresses the lack of scalable, fully recyclable building components made from renewable materials. It tackles material waste, complexity, and carbon intensity by offering a bio-based wall system that is modular, compostable, and energy-efficient—supporting circular construction from production to end-of-life.2) What is your vision for solving this challenge, and why is your approach innovative? Who will benefit from a solution to this problem? (max. 200 words)Our vision is to revolutionize the construction industry by introducing a fully recyclable, bio-based wall module that simplifies material complexity and enhances building performance. By integrating renewable wood, mycelium composite, and natural plaster, our modular solution addresses challenges in thermal regulation, moisture buffering, and carbon intensity. We focus on optimizing the mycelium substrate to control shrinkage and ensure a durable bond with timber frames, enabling scalable production and consistent quality. This innovative approach, supported by advanced research from HSLU’s IBI and CC Gebäudehülle und Ingenieurbau—with expertise from Prof. Dr. Susanne Gosztonyi—combines circular economy principles with high-performance design.Beneficiaries include architects, builders, and property owners who seek energy-efficient, low-impact construction methods, as well as urban planners and municipalities aiming to reduce carbon footprints and material waste. Our solution not only improves indoor comfort and reduces energy consumption but also fosters a shift from linear to circular construction practices, paving the way for resilient, eco-friendly, and sustainable buildings.3) How could your idea positively impact the planet, people, or economy in the future? (e.g., circularity, reducing waste, improving health, creating opportunities) (max. 100 words)Our wall module promotes circularity by using fully renewable, recyclable, and compostable materials, significantly reducing construction waste and reliance on resource-intensive products. It improves indoor health through non-toxic, breathable components that regulate temperature and humidity. Scalable production creates new opportunities in the bioeconomy, supports green jobs, and strengthens local value chains. By lowering energy demand and carbon emissions, it contributes to climate resilience while making sustainable, high-performance buildings more accessible and affordable.4) What assumptions or ideas do you want to test? What do you plan to work on during the booster program, and what is your goal to deliver at the end? (e.g., feasibility testing, prototype development, testing desirability) (max. 200 words)During the booster program, we aim to test key assumptions around the technical feasibility, material performance, and user desirability of our bio-based lightweight wall module. A primary focus is optimizing the mycelium composite substrate to ensure low moisture content (<40%) while maintaining robust mycelium growth and dimensional stability—critical for scalable, high-quality production. We will also investigate the bonding interface between the mycelium and timber frame to ensure long-term durability and structural performance.We want to validate how well our wall system performs in terms of thermal insulation, moisture regulation, and user acceptance compared to conventional materials. We also plan to explore its market fit in modular and sustainable construction contexts through expert feedback and real-world use case analysis.Our goal is to deliver a functional full-scale prototype (3 x 1.5 m) that demonstrates the wall module’s construction readiness and performance potential. Additionally, we aim to build a clear roadmap for upscaling, including a technical development plan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and refined use cases. This will form the foundation for pilot projects and strategic partnerships beyond the program.5) Who is in your team, and what expertise or roles do they bring? (max. 150 words)Our team combines expertise in material innovation, product development, and sustainable construction. David Rast, a mechanical engineer, specializes in mycelium composites and leads material research and process optimization. Christian Fanger, CEO of Kernser Edelpilze, brings deep knowledge in fungal cultivation and substrate sourcing, ensuring stable and scalable mycelium growth. Patrik Mürner, a trained carpenter and product designer, contributes hands-on experience in prototyping, modular construction, and wood-composite integration. Susanne Gosztonyi, Professor at HSLU, provides academic leadership in architectural engineering, sustainable building envelopes, and circular design strategies. Together, our interdisciplinary team covers the full value chain—from bio-based material development to design, fabrication, and application in circular construction.6) Has your idea been tested before? If yes, what were the results, and what remains to be tested? (max. 100 words) Yes, initial wall element prototypes have been produced using various mycelium substrates. Early tests showed promising results in terms of structural stability and insulation potential. However, key challenges remain: we need to further reduce shrinkage, optimize the drying process, and improve surface quality and adhesion between the mycelium composite and natural plaster. These aspects are critical for achieving consistent performance, durability, and scalability in real-world applications. 7) How do you plan to secure the 10% third-party funding required? (max. 100 words) We plan to secure the required 10% third-party funding through Haga Naturbaustoffe AG, who has expressed strong interest in collaborating on the plaster system and is willing to contribute financially. Alternatively, Küng Holzbau, a potential industry partner in timber construction, would be involved to support the project both technically and financially.About us:mycostrat is developing a next-generation, ecologically conscious wall system that responds to the growing need for sustainable, circular, and modular construction solutions. The project focuses on the design and fabrication of a lightweight, recyclable, and bio-based wall module made entirely from renewable, non-toxic materials. This innovative module is composed of a structural wood frame, a mycelium-based composite, and a natural plaster finish, forming a fully compostable building element with enhanced building biology properties.This modular system aligns with the principles of healthy, low-impact architecture, enabling the construction of buildings that are energy-efficient, demountable, and environmentally neutral over their life cycle.Why Lightweight Wall Modules MatterLightweight wall modules are central to the future of sustainable construction for multiple reasons:Reduced transportation and assembly energyFaster, simpler on-site installation, especially for prefabricated or modular systemsLower structural loads, enabling lighter foundations and more efficient material useAdaptability: Supporting modular and circular design strategies with ease of replacement, reconfiguration, and reuseIdeal for dense urban and rooftop development where weight is a critical factorThese characteristics align perfectly with emerging needs in flexible, low-carbon architecture and regenerative building approaches.Mycelium Composite – A Bio-Based InnovationAt the core of the project lies the mycelium composite, a biodegradable material grown from fungal mycelium that binds agricultural or wood-based substrates. The result is a rigid, lightweight, and naturally insulating material with excellent ecological performance:Thermal and acoustic insulationNatural fire retardancyMoisture buffering capacityLow embodied energy and carbon negativityFull biodegradability and end-of-life compostabilityA key innovation challenge is controlling shrinkage and dimensional stability during and after the growth and drying process. The project specifically addresses how to create substrates with <40% total moisture content that still allow for robust and consistent mycelium growth, ensuring structural performance and reliability.Integration with Timber Frames and Modular DesignA second technical focus is on improving the material interface between the mycelium composite and the timber frame. The team will explore:Mechanical interlocking systemsSurface treatments for improved adhesionHybrid design solutions to ensure long-term durability and mechanical integrityThese strategies are critical for creating wall modules that are prefabrication-ready, easy to assemble, and designed for disassembly and reuse.Support from HSLU – Expertise for SuccessTo support the successful development of this product, mycostrat is collaborating with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), specifically the Institute for Civil Engineering (IBI) and the Competence Center for Building Envelopes and Structural Engineering (CC Gebäudehülle und Ingenieurbau).Within this collaboration, Susanne Gosztonyi and her team brings valuable expertise in sustainable building design, building physics, and performance-driven building envelopes. Her work bridges energy-efficient and material-conscious design strategies with a strong focus on reducing complexity, resource consumption, and environmental impact—without compromising functionality.Her interdisciplinary approach—combining architectural engineering, product development, circular economy, and biomimetic principles—offers critical support in evaluating and refining the wall module design from both a technical and sustainability perspective.Specifically, her involvement includes:Material and performance evaluation of the wall system (thermal buffering, moisture regulation, etc.)Design optimization to reduce material use while maintaining performanceStrategies for integrating the wall module into circular construction modelsHolistic envelope design thinking, merging function, sustainability, and scalabilityThis collaboration ensures that the wall system is not only ecologically sound but also viable for real-world construction applications.mycostrat GmbH – Innovation at the Intersection of Biology and Buildingmycostrat GmbH is a young, research-driven company dedicated to exploring the architectural and technical potential of mycelium-based materials. With a foundation in material science, design thinking, and sustainable building strategies, mycostrat develops construction solutions that fuse biological intelligence with modern engineering.The team brings together expertise in:Mycelium material cultivation and processingPrototype and product development for the built environmentBiobased material testing and optimizationCircular and regenerative building system designThrough hands-on experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and an agile R&D approach, mycostrat positions itself as a pioneer in nature-based building technologies—aiming to create scalable solutions for a climate-resilient, low-impact construction industry.Expected Business Potential1. Growing Global Demand for Sustainable Construction MaterialsThe global green building materials market is projected to surpass USD 500 billion by 2030, driven by climate policies, ESG goals, and rising demand for low-carbon materials.Bio-based materials—especially mycelium composites—are gaining attention due to their low environmental impact, regenerative nature, and innovative appeal.2. High Interest in Prefabrication and Modular BuildingLightweight, preassembled wall modules are ideal for the booming modular construction sector, expected to reach over USD 130 billion by 2030.Modular systems offer faster build times, cost efficiencies, and reduced on-site labor—aligned with market trends in urban housing, temporary structures, and disaster-resilient construction.3. Niche Differentiation with Unique Material StoryMycelium offers a compelling sustainability narrative: circular, carbon-negative, and biodegradable. That’s not just functional—it’s a marketing advantage in architecture, real estate, and branding.Early adopters in eco-resorts, sustainable housing, public pavilions, and experimental architecture are already seeking high-visibility biobased products.4. Regulatory & Public Sector MomentumPublic green building programs, climate-focused building codes, and subsidies for circular construction in the EU and beyond create an environment favorable for product adoption.Especially in Switzerland, Germany, and the EU, there’s strong support for low-carbon, renewable materials in public tenders.5. Diverse Market ApplicationsPrimary markets: sustainable housing, modular building manufacturers, green architecture firms, passive house builders.Secondary markets: interior design panels, temporary exhibition structures, acoustic solutions, bio-based retrofitting systems.

Project Idea Metadata

• Project Idea Name: A recyclable and bio-based lightweight wall module made from wood, mycelium composite and natural plaster
• Date: 4/7/2025 8:37:45 AM
• Administrators:
  • David Rast

Project Idea Description

1) What challenge in the circular building and construction industry does your idea address? (max. 50 words)

Our solution addresses the lack of scalable, fully recyclable building components made from renewable materials. It tackles material waste, complexity, and carbon intensity by offering a bio-based wall system that is modular, compostable, and energy-efficient—supporting circular construction from production to end-of-life.

2) What is your vision for solving this challenge, and why is your approach innovative? Who will benefit from a solution to this problem? (max. 200 words)

Our vision is to revolutionize the construction industry by introducing a fully recyclable, bio-based wall module that simplifies material complexity and enhances building performance. By integrating renewable wood, mycelium composite, and natural plaster, our modular solution addresses challenges in thermal regulation, moisture buffering, and carbon intensity. We focus on optimizing the mycelium substrate to control shrinkage and ensure a durable bond with timber frames, enabling scalable production and consistent quality. This innovative approach, supported by advanced research from HSLU’s IBI and CC Gebäudehülle und Ingenieurbau—with expertise from Prof. Dr. Susanne Gosztonyi—combines circular economy principles with high-performance design.

Beneficiaries include architects, builders, and property owners who seek energy-efficient, low-impact construction methods, as well as urban planners and municipalities aiming to reduce carbon footprints and material waste. Our solution not only improves indoor comfort and reduces energy consumption but also fosters a shift from linear to circular construction practices, paving the way for resilient, eco-friendly, and sustainable buildings.

3) How could your idea positively impact the planet, people, or economy in the future? (e.g., circularity, reducing waste, improving health, creating opportunities) (max. 100 words)

Our wall module promotes circularity by using fully renewable, recyclable, and compostable materials, significantly reducing construction waste and reliance on resource-intensive products. It improves indoor health through non-toxic, breathable components that regulate temperature and humidity. Scalable production creates new opportunities in the bioeconomy, supports green jobs, and strengthens local value chains. By lowering energy demand and carbon emissions, it contributes to climate resilience while making sustainable, high-performance buildings more accessible and affordable.

4) What assumptions or ideas do you want to test? What do you plan to work on during the booster program, and what is your goal to deliver at the end? (e.g., feasibility testing, prototype development, testing desirability) (max. 200 words)

During the booster program, we aim to test key assumptions around the technical feasibility, material performance, and user desirability of our bio-based lightweight wall module. A primary focus is optimizing the mycelium composite substrate to ensure low moisture content (<40%) while maintaining robust mycelium growth and dimensional stability—critical for scalable, high-quality production. We will also investigate the bonding interface between the mycelium and timber frame to ensure long-term durability and structural performance.

We want to validate how well our wall system performs in terms of thermal insulation, moisture regulation, and user acceptance compared to conventional materials. We also plan to explore its market fit in modular and sustainable construction contexts through expert feedback and real-world use case analysis.

Our goal is to deliver a functional full-scale prototype (3 x 1.5 m) that demonstrates the wall module’s construction readiness and performance potential. Additionally, we aim to build a clear roadmap for upscaling, including a technical development plan, stakeholder engagement strategy, and refined use cases. This will form the foundation for pilot projects and strategic partnerships beyond the program.

5) Who is in your team, and what expertise or roles do they bring? (max. 150 words)

Our team combines expertise in material innovation, product development, and sustainable construction. David Rast, a mechanical engineer, specializes in mycelium composites and leads material research and process optimization. Christian Fanger, CEO of Kernser Edelpilze, brings deep knowledge in fungal cultivation and substrate sourcing, ensuring stable and scalable mycelium growth. Patrik Mürner, a trained carpenter and product designer, contributes hands-on experience in prototyping, modular construction, and wood-composite integration. Susanne Gosztonyi, Professor at HSLU, provides academic leadership in architectural engineering, sustainable building envelopes, and circular design strategies. Together, our interdisciplinary team covers the full value chain—from bio-based material development to design, fabrication, and application in circular construction.

6) Has your idea been tested before? If yes, what were the results, and what remains to be tested? (max. 100 words)

Yes, initial wall element prototypes have been produced using various mycelium substrates. Early tests showed promising results in terms of structural stability and insulation potential. However, key challenges remain: we need to further reduce shrinkage, optimize the drying process, and improve surface quality and adhesion between the mycelium composite and natural plaster. These aspects are critical for achieving consistent performance, durability, and scalability in real-world applications.

7) How do you plan to secure the 10% third-party funding required? (max. 100 words)

We plan to secure the required 10% third-party funding through Haga Naturbaustoffe AG, who has expressed strong interest in collaborating on the plaster system and is willing to contribute financially. Alternatively, Küng Holzbau, a potential industry partner in timber construction, would be involved to support the project both technically and financially.

About us:

mycostrat is developing a next-generation, ecologically conscious wall system that responds to the growing need for sustainable, circular, and modular construction solutions. The project focuses on the design and fabrication of a lightweight, recyclable, and bio-based wall module made entirely from renewable, non-toxic materials. This innovative module is composed of a structural wood frame, a mycelium-based composite, and a natural plaster finish, forming a fully compostable building element with enhanced building biology properties.

This modular system aligns with the principles of healthy, low-impact architecture, enabling the construction of buildings that are energy-efficient, demountable, and environmentally neutral over their life cycle.

Why Lightweight Wall Modules Matter

Lightweight wall modules are central to the future of sustainable construction for multiple reasons:

• Reduced transportation and assembly energy
• Faster, simpler on-site installation, especially for prefabricated or modular systems
• Lower structural loads, enabling lighter foundations and more efficient material use
• Adaptability: Supporting modular and circular design strategies with ease of replacement, reconfiguration, and reuse
• Ideal for dense urban and rooftop development where weight is a critical factor

These characteristics align perfectly with emerging needs in flexible, low-carbon architecture and regenerative building approaches.

Mycelium Composite – A Bio-Based Innovation

At the core of the project lies the mycelium composite, a biodegradable material grown from fungal mycelium that binds agricultural or wood-based substrates. The result is a rigid, lightweight, and naturally insulating material with excellent ecological performance:

• Thermal and acoustic insulation
• Natural fire retardancy
• Moisture buffering capacity
• Low embodied energy and carbon negativity
• Full biodegradability and end-of-life compostability

A key innovation challenge is controlling shrinkage and dimensional stability during and after the growth and drying process. The project specifically addresses how to create substrates with <40% total moisture content that still allow for robust and consistent mycelium growth, ensuring structural performance and reliability.

Integration with Timber Frames and Modular Design

A second technical focus is on improving the material interface between the mycelium composite and the timber frame. The team will explore:

• Mechanical interlocking systems
• Surface treatments for improved adhesion
• Hybrid design solutions to ensure long-term durability and mechanical integrity

These strategies are critical for creating wall modules that are prefabrication-ready, easy to assemble, and designed for disassembly and reuse.

Support from HSLU – Expertise for Success

To support the successful development of this product, mycostrat is collaborating with the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU), specifically the Institute for Civil Engineering (IBI) and the Competence Center for Building Envelopes and Structural Engineering (CC Gebäudehülle und Ingenieurbau).

Within this collaboration, Susanne Gosztonyi and her team brings valuable expertise in sustainable building design, building physics, and performance-driven building envelopes. Her work bridges energy-efficient and material-conscious design strategies with a strong focus on reducing complexity, resource consumption, and environmental impact—without compromising functionality.

Her interdisciplinary approach—combining architectural engineering, product development, circular economy, and biomimetic principles—offers critical support in evaluating and refining the wall module design from both a technical and sustainability perspective.

Specifically, her involvement includes:

• Material and performance evaluation of the wall system (thermal buffering, moisture regulation, etc.)
• Design optimization to reduce material use while maintaining performance
• Strategies for integrating the wall module into circular construction models
• Holistic envelope design thinking, merging function, sustainability, and scalability

This collaboration ensures that the wall system is not only ecologically sound but also viable for real-world construction applications.

mycostrat GmbH – Innovation at the Intersection of Biology and Building

mycostrat GmbH is a young, research-driven company dedicated to exploring the architectural and technical potential of mycelium-based materials. With a foundation in material science, design thinking, and sustainable building strategies, mycostrat develops construction solutions that fuse biological intelligence with modern engineering.

The team brings together expertise in:

• Mycelium material cultivation and processing
• Prototype and product development for the built environment
• Biobased material testing and optimization
• Circular and regenerative building system design

Through hands-on experimentation, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and an agile R&D approach, mycostrat positions itself as a pioneer in nature-based building technologies—aiming to create scalable solutions for a climate-resilient, low-impact construction industry.

Expected Business Potential

1. Growing Global Demand for Sustainable Construction Materials

• The global green building materials market is projected to surpass USD 500 billion by 2030, driven by climate policies, ESG goals, and rising demand for low-carbon materials.
• Bio-based materials—especially mycelium composites—are gaining attention due to their low environmental impact, regenerative nature, and innovative appeal.

2. High Interest in Prefabrication and Modular Building

• Lightweight, preassembled wall modules are ideal for the booming modular construction sector, expected to reach over USD 130 billion by 2030.
• Modular systems offer faster build times, cost efficiencies, and reduced on-site labor—aligned with market trends in urban housing, temporary structures, and disaster-resilient construction.

3. Niche Differentiation with Unique Material Story

• Mycelium offers a compelling sustainability narrative: circular, carbon-negative, and biodegradable. That’s not just functional—it’s a marketing advantage in architecture, real estate, and branding.
• Early adopters in eco-resorts, sustainable housing, public pavilions, and experimental architecture are already seeking high-visibility biobased products.

4. Regulatory & Public Sector Momentum

• Public green building programs, climate-focused building codes, and subsidies for circular construction in the EU and beyond create an environment favorable for product adoption.
• Especially in Switzerland, Germany, and the EU, there’s strong support for low-carbon, renewable materials in public tenders.

5. Diverse Market Applications

• Primary markets: sustainable housing, modular building manufacturers, green architecture firms, passive house builders.
• Secondary markets: interior design panels, temporary exhibition structures, acoustic solutions, bio-based retrofitting systems.

mycostrat is developing a recyclable, bio-based lightweight wall module made from wood, mycelium composite, and natural plaster. The system uses only renewable, non-toxic materials and offers excellent insulation, thermal buffering, and moisture regulation—improving indoor climate and reducing energy use. The wall modules (3 × 1.5 m, 5–15 cm thick) are ideal for sustainable and modular construction. A key focus is optimizing mycelium substrate moisture (<40%) to enable stable growth and minimizing shrinkage. In collaboration with HSLU IBI and CC Gebäudehülle und Ingenieurbau, supported by expert Prof. Dr. Susanne Gosztonyi, the project integrates building physics, circular design, and low-impact strategies to develop a durable, scalable, and climate-friendly building solution.